Pepto-Bismol Liquid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Pepto-Bismol Liquid contains bismuth subsalicylate and belongs to the antidiarrheal drug class. It is an over-the-counter oral suspension used to relieve common digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and gas. It works by coating and protecting the stomach lining, neutralizing stomach acid, and binding irritants in the digestive system.

What is Pepto-Bismol Liquid

Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter oral liquid (suspension) containing bismuth subsalicylate. It is used to relieve common digestive symptoms like diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and gas.

Pepto-Bismol Liquid uses

• Diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Gas, belching, and fullness
• Upset stomach from overindulgence in food and drink

Benefits of Pepto-Bismol Liquid

• Helps relieve diarrhea
• Reduces upset stomach
• Relieves heartburn and indigestion
• Helps control nausea
• Can reduce abdominal discomfort associated with diarrhea

How Pepto-Bismol Liquid works

The medicine's active ingredient coats and protects the stomach lining, helps neutralize stomach acid, binds irritants in the digestive system, and reduces inflammation in the gut.

Pepto-Bismol Liquid dosage

Shake the liquid well before measuring a dose. Use the dosing cup provided, not a kitchen spoon. Drink plenty of clear fluids while taking this medicine to help prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Do not use for more than 2 days in a row without checking with your doctor. This medicine is not meant for children under 12 years old without medical advice. Taking more than the recommended amount will not work better and may cause serious side effects.

Available forms and strengths

• Liquid (oral suspension)
• Chewable tablet

Side effects of Pepto-Bismol Liquid

Common

• Constipation
• Dark or black colored stools
• Temporary darkening of the tongue (harmless)
• Temporary ringing in the ears (rare)

Serious

• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting
• Hearing loss or ringing in ears
• Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days
• Worsened stomach symptoms

Warnings and precautions

• If you are pregnant, ask your doctor or a health professional before using this medicine. If you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor or a health professional before using this medicine.
• Avoid or use only with medical advice in significant kidney disease because salicylate can accumulate. Use cautiously with significant liver disease.
• Alcohol may increase stomach irritation and bleeding risk. Avoid in children or teenagers recovering from flu or chickenpox because salicylates are associated with Reye syndrome.
• This medicine usually does not impair driving.
• Do not use this medicine if you have bleeding problems, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.
• Do not use this medicine for a stomach ulcer unless a doctor has prescribed it as part of a specific combination therapy for H. pylori infection.
• Giving this medicine to a child or teenager who has flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.
• This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine with arthritis medicine, gout medicine, insulin or diabetes medicines, or blood thinners like warfarin.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze
• Protect from freezing
• Avoid excessive heat (over 104°F or 40°C)

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have changes in behavior along with nausea and vomiting, hearing loss or ringing in your ears, diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days, or worsened stomach symptoms.
• If you think you have taken too much, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center right away. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, problems with balance or coordination, confusion, tremors, or jerky muscle movements.
• Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using this medicine.

Alternatives

• Loperamide
• Oral rehydration solution
• Famotidine