Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate Chewable Tablets)

For all patients taking Pepto-Bismol (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 Pepto-Bismol.

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.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Pepto-Bismol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Do not give to children and teenagers who have or are getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Use Pepto-Bismol 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 Pepto-Bismol is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

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.