Pepto-Bismol is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

Pepto-Bismol works as an antacid to reduce excess stomach acid and so eases discomfort. It also works to protect the stomach and lower part of your food pipe (esophagus) from stomach acid.

Pepto-Bismol can be taken as a tablet or liquid, depending on which one you prefer.

You should not use Pepto-Bismol if you have bleeding problems, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

You should not use Pepto-Bismol for a stomach ulcer unless your ulcer is caused by H. pylori and your doctor has prescribed Pepto-Bismol as part of modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (mBCQT).

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, or if you have:

• black or bloody stools;
• a stomach ulcer (unless your doctor has prescribed Pepto-Bismol as part of modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy);
• bleeding problems; or
• if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• mucus in your stools; or

• if you currently have a fever.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

Take this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using bismuth subsalicylate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

You should not use Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, or if you have:

• black or bloody stools;
• a stomach ulcer (unless your doctor has prescribed Pepto-Bismol as part of modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy);
• bleeding problems; or
• if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• mucus in your stools; or

• if you currently have a fever.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

Since bismuth subsalicylate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Do not take more than 8 doses per day.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable, problems with balance or coordination, confusion, tremors, or jerky muscle movements.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other antacids or diarrhea medicine, or taking medicine that may contain a salicylate (such as aspirin, salsalate, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, Ecotrin, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting;

• hearing loss or ringing in your ears;

• diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or

• worsened stomach symptoms.

Bismuth subsalicylate can cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.

Common side effects include:

• constipation; or

• dark colored stools.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using bismuth subsalicylate with any other medications, especially:

• arthritis medicine;

• gout medicine;

• insulin or oral diabetes medications; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Pepto-Bismol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.