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Bismuth subsalicylate for Diarrhea User Reviews

Brand names: Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Stomach Relief, Pink Bismuth, Bismatrol, Peptic Relief, Bismarex, Kola-Pectin DS, Childrens Kaopectate, Maalox Total Relief, Pepto-Bismol InstaCool Percy Medicine Bismatrol Maximum Strength Pepto-Bismol Original Strength Soothe Caplets …show all brand names

Rating: 8.3

Bismuth subsalicylate has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 14 reviews for the treatment of diarrhea. 79% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 7% reported a negative experience.

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29%
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7%
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7%
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7%

Reviews for Bismuth subsalicylate

  • Jba...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2018

"I was so sick from a stomach virus going around my city, including my own doctor's office staff. I literally felt like I was dying. My wonderful neighbor brought me a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, and after the first dose, I immediately started feeling better. I couldn’t believe it, as I had been delirious only moments before."

9 / 10
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41 Report
  • Sav...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 13, 2016

"As a college student with moderate IBS symptoms/overly sensitive stomach, sharing one bathroom with four people can REALLY be scary. Instead of having to climb out the window and run into the woods or bang on the door begging for mercy, popping a couple Pepto tablets can REALLY help relieve the symptoms of impending doom. It mellows my stomach out within 5 minutes of taking, doesn't taste bad, and gives me a sense of safety. Sometimes, your stomach still gets upset much later, which at that point is completely fine - it has to come out sometime, right? Generally speaking, it's usually great, and I never get the upset stomach! I recommend it to anyone, it's saved me many times and can do the same for you."

9 / 10
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41 Report
  • Tha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 5, 2023

"I took the tablet form, which is not mentioned on this website. (Perhaps that form is new.) I took one dose (two tablets) after the first BM. I took two more one hour later after the second BM. That was the last BM after several days of diarrhea. This diarrhea is a side effect of a new Rx medication, which I am continuing to take. I had no side effects from Kaopectate."

10 / 10
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9 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Kir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 24, 2023

"It worked after I took like 6 of them over the course of a couple of hours. It was a bad decision, though, as it made me constipated for 5 or 6 days after that. Be careful if you have IBS and have alternating constipation/diarrhea or any other related stomach issues."

4 / 10
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5 Report
  • jr ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2025

"Let me be the first to mention I used to love taking Pepto-Bismol up until one day I had an urgent need to go to use the restroom, and to my surprise, I was devastated by what Pepto-Bismol did to me. Let me be clear, I don't mean to sound nasty, or I don't want to spoil anyone's appetite, but I'm only on here because I have to be totally, completely honest. My stool was black, tarry, and bloody. Be careful how much of this you consume, and what's even worse, I had to switch from taking Pepto-Bismol to now taking Mylanta. It's going to take decades for me to get used to this."

7 / 10
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1 Report

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  • Suz...
  • January 26, 2015

"I had diarrhea for almost a month. I have tried everything over the counter that you can find. Is this the only thing that has happened to stop the diarrhea? It's been around forever, and it's the only thing that's worked."

10 / 10
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15 Report
  • Hea...
  • April 22, 2017

"Relieves my upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, and it's affordable."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 15, 2011

"Very effective for diarrhea, besides, it alleviates heartburn and stomach discomfort."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • hap...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 17, 2023

"Kaopectate is awesome. It worked from the first dose. It helps stomach viruses and bacteria and really got me out of a jam. It doesn't have a lot of sugar in it like Pepto does."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Eri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2016

"Excellent stomach flu remedy. Stops symptoms quickly. For bad digestive issues such as the stomach flu, the max liquid works better than caplets or chewable tablets. Gives fast, effective relief."

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • Dan...
  • July 20, 2010

"Pepto-Bismol did not cure my problem, but it slowed diarrhea until I was able to get to the doctor. A must-have in all medicine cabinets!"

8 / 10
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22 Report
  • Moe...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 7, 2024

"It works on the diarrhea a little slower than Imodium, but has fewer side effects, and it makes my stomach feel better right away. Two to three doses is all it ever takes."

9 / 10
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1 Report
  • Mar...
  • April 20, 2023

"Pepto-Bismol did nothing for me. I took the maximum amount recommended for a full day. Woke up the next morning to an undescribable condition. I'm going back to reliable Kaopectate."

1 / 10
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0 Report
  • She...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 22, 2025

"I like Kaopectate, but it should stay in your system longer than 2 days. I also like the vanilla-flavored kind, it does help."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.