Bismuth subsalicylate
PEPTO-BISMOL
Pronunciation: BIZ-muth sub-sa-LIS-i-layt
What it isBismuth–salicylate mucosal protectant with antisecretory and antibacterial effects; dyspepsia and acute diarrhea.
Why this oneUnlike simple antidiarrheals, it also belongs in bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori.
What limits itAvoid in children with viral illness and with other salicylates or anticoagulants; black tongue and stool are harmless.
Principal riskNo FDA boxed warning.
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea (OTC; per Directions) | Adults & children ≥12 y | 2 chewable tablets q30–60 min PRN | 2 tablets q30–60 min PRN | 8 doses (16 tablets)/24 h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Do not exceed 8 doses (16 tablets) in 24 h; max 2 days of use
Instructions
- Chew completely or dissolve tablets in mouth
- Use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days
- Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration
- Children <12 y: ask a doctor
Available strengths
- chew tab 262, 525 mg
- cap 262 mg
- tab 262, 525 mg
- powder 262 mg
- sol 1050 mg/10 mL
- sol 262 mg/15 mL
- sol 525 mg/30 mL
- susp 262, 525 mg/15 mL
- + 1 other marketed form not shown
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Bismuth subsalicylate (PEPTO-BISMOL)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26 · OTC
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 262 mg | chew tab | per unit | $0.08/ea | not offered |
| 525 mg | chew tab | per unit | not offered |
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Self-check
- Does black tongue/stool from bismuth subsalicylate imply harm?
No; harmless discoloration. - Which children should avoid bismuth subsalicylate?
Children with viral illness.