Bismatrol

Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.

This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Salicylates can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have a stomach ulcer, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Subsalicylate can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or

• if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• fever;

• mucus in your stools;

• diabetes;

• arthritis; or

• gout.

Ask a doctor before using bismuth subsalicylate if you are pregnant.

Bismuth subsalicylate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst, anxiety, muscle spasm, ringing in your ears, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, problems with speech or vision, severe stomach pain, or worsening diarrhea or vomiting.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking other antacids or diarrhea medications together with bismuth subsalicylate.

In the U.S.

• Bismatrol
• Diotame
• Kaopectate
• Kapectolin
• Kola-Pectin
• Pepto Bismol

In Canada

• Bismuth Extra Strength
• Bismuth Original Formula
• Compliments Bismuth - Regular Strength
• GoodSense Bismuth - Regular Strength
• Pepto-Bismol
• Stomach Relief - Regular Formula
• Up & Up Bismuth - Regular Strength
• Up & Up Extra Strength Bismuth

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Tablet
• Tablet, Chewable

Therapeutic Class: Antacid, Bismuth Containing

Chemical Class: Salicylate, Non-Aspirin

For all patients taking Bismatrol (bismuth subsalicylate chewable tablets):

• If you have an allergy to bismuth, salicylates, or any other part of this medicine.
• If you have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bleeding problems; ulcers; or black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If you are taking a salicylate drug like aspirin.

Children:

• If your child has or is getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Bismatrol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Use Bismatrol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Chew well or let melt in the mouth.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take this medicine on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Bismatrol is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Bismatrol or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Bismatrol. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Applies to bismuth subsalicylate: oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable

Along with its needed effects, bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient contained in Bismatrol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bismuth subsalicylate:

In some patients bismuth subsalicylate may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you Stop taking bismuth subsalicylate.

• Anxiety
• any loss of hearing
• confusion
• constipation (severe)
• diarrhea (severe or continuing)
• difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness (severe)
• fast or deep breathing
• headache (severe or continuing)
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• mental depression
• muscle spasms (especially of face, neck, and back)
• muscle weakness
• nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)
• ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing)
• stomach pain (severe or continuing)
• trembling
• uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands (especially in elderly patients) or other uncontrolled body movements
• vision problems