Kaopectate

Purpose of Kaopectate

Kaopectate is an over-the-counter medication used to treat upset stomach and diarrhea.

Active Ingredients

Kaopectate Regular Strength Cherry, Kaopectate Regular Strength Vanilla, Kaopectate Regular Strength Peppermint: bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg (in each 15 mL tablespoon)

Kaopectate Extra Strength Peppermint: bismuth subsalicylate 525 mg (in each 15 mL tablespoon)

Inactive Ingredients

Kaopectate Regular Strength Cherry: caramel, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavor, microcrystalline cellulose, red 40, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucrose, water, xanthan gum (245-240)

Kaopectate Regular Strength Vanilla: caramel, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavor, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucrose, water, xanthan gum (245-241)

Kaopectate Regular Strength Peppermint: caramel, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavor, microcrystalline cellulose, red 40, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucrose, water, xanthan gum (245-243)

Kaopectate Extra Strength Peppermint: caramel, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavor, microcrystalline cellulose, red 40, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucrose, water, xanthan gum (245-242)

Kaopectate FDA Warning

Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from either chicken pox or the flu shouldn’t use Kaopectate. When using this product, if changes in behavior occur along with nausea or vomiting, consult a physician.  These symptoms could be an early sign of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Allergy alert: This medication contains salicylate. Do not take if you are:

  • allergic to salicylates (including aspirin)
  • currently taking other salicylates

Do not use if you have:

  • an ulcer
  • a bleeding problem
  • bloody or black, tar-like stools

Consult a physician before use if you:

  • have a fever
  • have mucus in your stool
  • are currently taking any medication for anticoagulation (blood thinners), diabetes, gout, arthritis

When using Kaopectate, a temporary and harmless darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur.  

Stop use and consult a physician if:

  • diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days
  • symptoms get worse or last for more than 2 days
  • ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional.

Keep out of reach of children.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Directions

  • Shake well before each use.
  • For accurate dosing, use dose cup provided.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  • Use until diarrhea stops but no longer than 2 days.

Kaopectate Regular Strength Cherry, Kaopectate Regular Strength Vanilla, Kaopectate Regular Strength Peppermint

For adults and children 12 years and over:

  • Take 30 mL or 2 tablespoons.
  • You may repeat every 30-60 minutes as needed.
  • No more than 8 doses in 24 hours.

Kaopectate Extra Strength Peppermint

For adults and children 12 years and over:

  • Take 30 mL or 2 tablespoons.
  • You may repeat every 60 minutes as needed.
  • No more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
 

Pediatric Use

  • Shake well before each use.
  • For accurate dosing, use dose cup provided.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  • Use until diarrhea stops but no longer than 2 days.

Kaopectate Regular Strength Cherry, Kaopectate Regular Strength Vanilla, Kaopectate Regular Strength Peppermint

For children under 12 years: consult a physician.

Kaopectate Extra Strength Peppermint

For children under 12 years: consult a physician.

 

Other Information About Kaopectate

Kaopectate Regular Strength Cherry

  • each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: sodium 4 mg
  • each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: total salicylates 130 mg
  • do not use if inner seal is broken or missing
  • low sodium

Kaopectate Regular Strength Vanilla

  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: sodium 4 mg
  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: total salicylates 130 mg
  •  do not use if inner seal is broken or missing
  •  low sodium

Kaopectate Regular Strength Peppermint

  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: sodium 4 mg
  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: total salicylates 130 mg
  •  do not use if inner seal is broken or missing
  •  low sodium

Kaopectate Extra Strength Peppermint

  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: potassium 5 mg, sodium 5 mg
  •  each 15 mL tablespoonful contains: total salicylates 236 mg
  •  do not use if inner seal is broken or missing
  •  low sodium