What is bismuth subsalicylate?

Bismuth subsalicylate relieves diarrhea, travelers’ diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bismuth subsalicylate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bismuth subsalicylate may cause serious side effects. Stop using bismuth subsalicylate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting;
• hearing loss or ringing in your ears;
• diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or
• worsened stomach symptoms.

Bismuth subsalicylate may cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.

Common side effects include:

• constipation; or
• dark colored stools.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• black or bloody stools;
• stomach ulcer;
• bleeding problems; or
• if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• mucus in your stools; or
• if you currently have a fever.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take bismuth subsalicylate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking bismuth subsalicylate.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not make bismuth subsalicylate more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using bismuth subsalicylate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Bismuth subsalicylate is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What should I avoid while taking bismuth subsalicylate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other antacids, diarrhea medicine, or taking medicine that may contain a salicylate (such as aspirin, salsalate, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, Ecotrin, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

What other drugs will affect bismuth subsalicylate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using bismuth subsalicylate with any other medicines, especially:

• arthritis medicine;
• gout medicine;
• insulin or oral diabetes medications; or
• a blood thinner–warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

 Categories of Drug Classification

There are several categories of drug classification, including:

1. Chemical Classification : Based on the chemical structure of the medication.
2. Therapeutic Classification : Based on the therapeutic use of the medication.
3. Pharmacological Classification : Based on the pharmacological effects of the medication.
4. Mechanism of Action Classification : Based on the mechanism of action of the medication.

 Major Drug Categories

Some of the major drug categories include:

1. Analgesics : Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
2. Antibiotics : Medications that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as penicillin and ciprofloxacin.
3. Antihistamines : Medications that counteract the effects of histamine, such as diphenhydramine and loratadine.
4. Anti-inflammatory Agents : Medications that reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
5. Cardiovascular Agents : Medications that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as beta blockers and statins.
6. Central Nervous System Agents : Medications that affect the brain and nervous system, such as sedatives and antidepressants.
7. Dermatological Agents : Medications that treat skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
8. Gastrointestinal Agents : Medications that treat digestive system disorders, such as antacids and laxatives.
9. Hormones : Medications that regulate hormone levels, such as insulin and thyroid hormone.
10. Immunosuppressants : Medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

 Importance of Drug Classification

Drug classification is important because it:

1. Helps healthcare professionals : To quickly identify the therapeutic use and potential side effects of a medication.
2. Facilitates research : By allowing researchers to identify and study medications with similar mechanisms of action or therapeutic uses.
3. Enhances patient safety : By providing a standardized system for identifying and categorizing medications, which can help reduce medication errors.