Pepto-Bismol

Purpose of Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol products are over-the-counter medications used to treat symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Active Ingredients

Pepto-Bismol Original and Cherry liquids: bismuth subsalicylate 525 mg per 30 mL (2 TBSP)

Pepto-Bismoll Max Strength and Cherry Max Strength liquids: bismuth subsalicylate 1050 mg per 30 mL (2 TBSP)

Pepto-Bismol Instacool chewable tablets: bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg

Pepto-Bismol Cherry chewable tablets: bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg

Pepto-Bismol caplets: bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg

Inactive Ingredients

Pepto-Bismol Original liquid: benzoic acid, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 28, flavor, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, saccharin sodium, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, water 

Pepto-Bismol Cherry liquid: benzoic acid, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 28, flavor, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, saccharin sodium, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucralose, water

Pepto-Bismol Max Strength liquid: benzoic acid, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 28, flavor, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, saccharin sodium, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, water

Pepto-Bismol Cherry Max Strength liquid: benzoic acid, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 28, flavor, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, saccharin sodium, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucralose, water

Pepto-Bismol Instacool chewable tablets: calcium carbonate, flavor, magnesium stearate, mannitol, povidone, red 27 aluminum lake, saccharin sodium, talc

Pepto-Bismol Cherry chewable tablets: adipic acid, calcium carbonate, flavor, magnesium stearate, mannitol, povidone, red 27 aluminum lake, red 40 aluminum lake, saccharin sodium, talc

Pepto-Bismol caplets: calcium carbonate, D&C Red No. 27 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate

Pepto-Bismol FDA Warning

Reye's syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea or vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert: Contains salicylate. Do not take if you are:

  • allergic to salicylates (including aspirin)
  • taking other salicylate products

Do not use if you have:

  • an ulcer
  • a bleeding problem
  • bloody or black stool

Ask a doctor before use if you have:

  • fever
  • mucus in the stool

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any drug for:

  • anticoagulation (thinning the blood)
  • diabetes
  • gout
  • arthritis

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

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

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

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

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

Pepto-Bismol Original and Cherry Liquids:

  • Shake well before use.
  • For accurate dosing, use dose cup.
  • Adults and children 12 years and over:
    • 1 dose (2 Tbsp or 30 ml) every 1/2 to 1 hour as needed.
    • Do not exceed 8 doses (16 Tbsp or 240 ml) in 24 hours.
    • Use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Pepto-Bismol Max Strength and Cherry Max Strength Liquids:

  • Shake well before use.
  • For accurate dosing, use dose cup or tablespoon (TBSP).

For adults and children 12 years and over:

  • Take 1 dose (30 mL or 2 TBSP) every 1 hour as needed.
  • Use until diarrhea stops, but not more than 2 days.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Pepto-Bismol Instacool and Cherry chewable tablets:

  • Chew or dissolve in mouth.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

For adults and children 12 years and over:

  • Take 2 tablets every 1/2 to 1 hour as needed.
  • Do not exceed 8 doses (16 tablets) in 24 hours.
  • Use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days.

Pepto-Bismol caplets:

For adults and children 12 years and over:

  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
  • Take 2 caplets every 1/2 to 1 hour as needed.
  • Do not exceed 8 doses (16 caplets) in 24 hours.
  • Use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days.

 

Pediatric Use

Pepto-Bismol liquids, chewable tablets, and caplets: For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Other Information About Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol liquid products:

  • Each 30 mL dose cup contains:
    • magnesium 25 mg
    • sodium 8 mg.
    • salicylate 236 mg (261 mg in the Original liquid product)
  • This is a low sodium product.
  • Protect from freezing.
  • Avoid excessive heat (over 104° F or 40° C).
  • TAMPER EVIDENT: Do not use if printed shrinkband is missing or broken.

Pepto-Bismol Instacool chewable tablets:

  • Each tablet contains 85 mg calcium.
  • Sodium is less than 1 mg.
  • This product contains 100 mg of salicylate.
  • This is a very low sodium product.
  • This is a sugar free product.
  • Avoid excessive heat (over 104°F or 40°C).

Pepto-Bismol Cherry chewable tablets:

  • Each tablet contains 140 mg calcium.
  • Sodium is less than 1 mg.
  • This product contains 99 mg of salicylate.
  • This is a very low sodium product.
  • This is a sugar free product.
  • Avoid excessive heat (over 104°F or 40°C).

Pepto-Bismol caplets:

  • Each caplet contains:
    • calcium 27 mg
    • salicylate 99 mg
  • This is a very low sodium product.
  • Avoid excessive heat (over 104° F or 40° C).
  • TAMPER EVIDENT: Do not use if inner printed seal on bottle is broken or missing.