What is this medicine?
BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE (biz muth sub sa LIS i late) relieves the symptoms of diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, acid indigestion, and nausea.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- anxiety, confusion
- dizziness, drowsiness
- headache
- increased sweating
- increased thirst
- loss of hearing, ringing in the ears
- muscle weakness
- nausea, vomiting that does not go away
- tiredness
- trembling, or uncontrollable movements
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- black stools
- blackened tongue
- constipation
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for gout
- medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Helidac® Therapy (kit containing bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride) contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, patients with known allergy to aspirin or salicylates, and those with known hypersensitivity to any component of the kit.
- Pylera® (fixed-combination capsule containing bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, tetracycline hydrochloride) contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and those with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the capsule.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat diarrhea for more than 2 days without talking to your doctor or health care professional. Call your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can if you get a fever, or nausea and vomiting. These could be symptoms of a more serious illness.
Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bleeding problems
- fever
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- recent vaccination with chickenpox vaccine
- recent viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
- ulcer
- an unusual or allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, other salicylates or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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