Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets

What do Pepto-Bismol Chewable Tablets relieve?

Diarrhoea, travellers' diarrhoea and upset stomach from overindulging in food or drink, including heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching and fullness. Each Pepto-Bismol chewable contains 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate.

How many tablets do I take, and how often?

Adults and children 12 and over chew or dissolve 2 tablets (one dose) every 30 minutes as needed, or 4 tablets every hour for diarrhoea. Never take more than 8 doses (16 tablets) in 24 hours, and stop using it for diarrhoea after 2 days.

Can children take them?

Not without advice. The label says children under 12 should ask a doctor, and children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use it because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Pepto Kids, which we also sell, is a separate calcium carbonate chewable labelled for children's heartburn and sour stomach.

Why has my tongue or stool turned black?

It's a harmless, temporary effect of bismuth subsalicylate that the label warns about. The label also says not to use Pepto-Bismol if you already have bloody or black stool, so if dark stools started before your first dose, speak to a doctor.

Can I take it with aspirin or other medicines?

Check first: each tablet contains 101 mg of salicylate, so don't take it if you're allergic to salicylates (including aspirin) or already taking another salicylate product. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take medicine to thin the blood or for diabetes, gout or arthritis.

Is it OK if I'm pregnant or have a fever?

Ask first. The label says to ask a health professional before use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, to ask a doctor if you have a fever or mucus in the stool, and not to use it at all if you have an ulcer or a bleeding problem.

Chewables, liquid or caplets: which should I buy?

The chewables need no water and fit in a pocket, desk drawer or wash bag; the Original Liquid and caplets we stock use the same active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate. Choose 30 tablets for the cupboard or 48 for a long trip, and stop and see a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 days or you notice ringing in the ears.