Pepto-Bismol Digestive Relief Liquid - 240ml

Product Summary

Pepto-Bismol has a fast-acting formula and protective coating action which provides fast relief from heartburn, indigestion, nausea and upset stomach, and helps control diarrhoea.

Directions

Adults and children over 16 years only:

• Shake the bottle well before use
• For oral use only
• One dose of Pepto-Bismol is 30 ml.
• Pour 30 ml of the liquid into the cup provided, and swallow.
• Repeat dose every 30–60 minutes if needed.
• Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours.
• Do not exceed the stated dose.
• Only use as directed.
• Do not take for more than 2 days: Using for longer than 2 days or in higher doses than recommended has been associated with an increase in side effects.
• Peel back label for more information.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: Each 5 ml dose contains 87.6 mg of the active ingredient Bismuth Subsalicylate.
• Also contains: Aluminium Magnesium Silicate, Methylcellulose, Methyl Salicylate, Sorbic Acid (E200), Benzoic Acid (E210), Salicylic Acid, Saccharin Sodium, Sodium Salicylate, Amaranth (E123), and Purified Water.

Contains 4.1 mg benzoic acid per 30 ml dose

Warnings and Restrictions

• Do not exceed the stated dose.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Stop using and ask your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist for more than 2 days.
• Stop using and ask your doctor if diarrhoea is accompanied by fever.
• Stop using and ask your doctor if you notice anything unusual or have any unexpected effects.
• Stop using and ask your doctor if you accidentally take too much.
• Ask a doctor before using Pepto-Bismol if you are taking medicines for anticoagulation (thinning of the blood), diabetes or gout.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

Warning: This product contains sorbic and salicylic acid, which can cause dermatitis; amaranth which can cause allergic type reactions including asthma; and benzoic acid, which is a mild irritant to skin, eyes and gums.

NOTE: The product may cause a temporary and harmless darkening of the stool and/or tongue.

Do not use if you are:

• under 16 years, due to a possible reaction between salicylates and Reye's syndrome (a very rare but very serious disease)
• allergic to salicylates including aspirin or any of the other ingredients
• taking other salicylates, including aspirin
• pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ask a doctor before use if you:

• have a blood clotting disorder or gout
• are taking medicines for thinning blood (anticoagulants)
• have diabetes or gout, or are taking tetracycline antibiotics.

If you have diarrhoea, it is important to prevent or treat dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids or taking oral rehydration products, especially if you are frail or elderly.

Stop using and see your doctor if:

• symptoms are severe or persist for more than 2 days
• you have diarrhoea accompanied by fever
• you experience ringing in the ears
• you notice anything unusual or have unexpected side effects
• you accidentally take too much.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• need more information or advice
• get any side effects, including any possible side effects not listed
• do not feel better, or if you feel worse after 2 days
• are taking any other medication.

Storage

Store below 25ºC.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can I take Pepto-Bismol for motion sickness or travel sickness?

Pepto-Bismol will stop mild travel sickness-related nausea, but it is not a standard travel sickness medication. The bismuth subsalicylate active component will soothe the stomach and ease queasiness. It will not work in the same way as anti-motion sickness medications like cinnarizine or hyoscine, which act upon the balance centres of the brain. If you have motion sickness (e.g., when travelling by car or boat), Pepto-Bismol has some effect, but it is not the best choice. Always ask a pharmacist if you are uncertain what is causing your nausea or if you need immediate, direct relief for motion sickness. Also, remember that this product is not to be used by anyone under the age of 16 and must only be used for a short period of time, no longer than 2 days.

What happens if my stool or tongue turns black after I take Pepto-Bismol?

It might amaze you, but darkening of the stool or tongue after taking Pepto-Bismol is harmless and temporary. Black colouration is a result of a chemical interaction between bismuth subsalicylate and minute traces of sulfur in your body. This forms bismuth sulphide, a dark-colored material that may discolour your tongue or turn your stool blackish for a few days. It usually clears up by itself within a few days if you stop taking the drug. If the colour change is ongoing, or if you see red or extremely dark blood in your stool (which is different), you must see a doctor. Even though this side effect is not problematic, it's always better to check if you're uncertain. Do not stop using Pepto-Bismol just because of the colour change unless you worry or experience other abnormal symptoms.

Can I take Pepto-Bismol along with other regular stomach drugs?

Pepto-Bismol should not be used with other medications that contain salicylates, like aspirin, as this would lead to an increased risk of side effects such as bleeding or stomach irritation. You should not take it with some antacids, either, as they would interfere with the action of Pepto-Bismol. If you have medication for acid reflux, indigestion, or diarrhoea, talk to your pharmacist beforehand. Some drugs, like tetracycline antibiotics, can interact with bismuth subsalicylate and affect absorption. Leaving a gap between doses if you're on more than one medication for stomach problems is a good idea. Just read the labels, and speak with a pharmacist if unsure — especially if you're on prescription medication. Mixing over-the-counter stuff without knowledge can reduce their effectiveness or produce unwanted side effects.

May I drink alcohol with Pepto-Bismol?

It's always best to avoid alcohol when taking Pepto-Bismol. Alcohol irritates the lining of your stomach and can worsen symptoms like indigestion or nausea. Since Pepto-Bismol is taken to treat these very symptoms, drinking alcohol might make the medication less effective or even cause the symptoms to become more severe. Also, both alcohol and salicylates (the family of chemicals to which bismuth subsalicylate belongs) irritate your liver and stomach, so the combination might be a double whammy on your stomach or some other side effect. If you've used Pepto-Bismol, let your symptoms resolve first and wait at least 24–48 hours after your last use of the product before drinking. If you’re using this medicine due to diarrhoea or vomiting, staying hydrated with water or oral rehydration fluids is much more important than drinking alcohol.

Why is Pepto-Bismol not suitable for people under 16?

Pepto-Bismol is not safe for anyone under 16 because it contains salicylates, which have been linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. This condition involves the liver and brain, particularly in adolescents or children recovering from viruses such as chickenpox or influenza. Even though Reye's syndrome is rare, it is so dangerous that it would justify doctors and pharmacists recommending against any drugs that contain salicylates in young people. For children, however, alternative treatments for diarrhoea or indigestion include oral rehydration salts or paediatric antidiarrhoeal medication. If a child or teenager comes down with symptoms like nausea or diarrhoea, it is advisable to seek advice from a pharmacist or GP to ensure a safe and effective substitute. Don't give adult indigestion medicines to children without examining the label and consulting a healthcare professional first.

What if I unintentionally take more than the recommended dose?

Suppose you consume more than the recommended dose of Pepto-Bismol. In that case, you should discontinue use immediately and consult with your doctor or pharmacist, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Taking an excessive amount can lead to side effects such as ringing in the ears, confusion, dizziness, or irritation of the stomach. Because Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates, taking too much can also affect your blood clotting and put stress on your liver and kidneys. In rare cases, an overdose could cause more serious symptoms, so it’s better to be cautious. Never take more than 8 doses (240 ml) in 24 hours, and don’t use the product for more than 2 days in a row without medical advice. If you've taken a big dose by mistake, especially if you're an old person or a child, call the doctor at once, even if you do not feel ill.