What is Bismuth Subsalicylate?

Bismuth subsalicylate is a medication commonly used to treat nausea, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. It works by coating the stomach lining and reducing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. Additionally, it possesses antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and viruses that can cause gastrointestinal infections.

Side Effects

• Rectal bleeding, blood or mucus in your stools
• Ringing in your ears, or changes in your hearing
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, gout, arthritis, or bloody or black stools.
• Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has chicken pox or symptoms of a virus or the flu, unless your doctor has told you to. This medicine may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you still have diarrhea after you have been using this medicine for 2 days, stop using it and call your doctor.
• Your tongue or stools may become dark when you use this medicine. This is only temporary and will not hurt you. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.