Bismatrol Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Bismatrol

Generic name: bismuth subsalicylate [ BIZ-muth-sub-sa-LISS-i-late ]
Brand names: Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Kaopectate, Kola-Pectin DS, ... show all 10 brands Peptic Relief, Pepto-Bismol, Percy Medicine, Pink Bismuth, Soothe Caplets
Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Bismatrol?

Bismatrol is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

Bismatrol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

You should not use Bismatrol if you have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

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 Bismatrol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- black or bloody stools;

- a stomach ulcer;

- 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.

## How should I take Bismatrol?

Use 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 Bismatrol.

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 Bismatrol.

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

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

Detailed Bismatrol dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Bismatrol 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.

## What happens if I overdose?

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.

## What should I avoid while taking Bismatrol?

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).

## Bismatrol side effects

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 Bismatrol 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.

Bismatrol 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.

Bismatrol side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Bismatrol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Bismatrol 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 Bismatrol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Bismatrol drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Bismatrol (bismuth subsalicylate)

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (1)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antidiarrheals
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Pink Bismuth, Peptic Relief, ... +5 more

### Other formulations

- Bismatrol Maximum Strength

### Related treatment guides

- Diarrhea
- Diarrhea, Chronic
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- Indigestion
- Lymphocytic Colitis
- Traveler's Diarrhea

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02.