Skip to main content
Print Save

Pink Bismuth

Generic name: bismuth subsalicylate [ BIZ-muth-sub-sa-LISS-i-late ]
Brand names: Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Kaopectate, Kola-Pectin DS, ... show all 10 brands
Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Pink Bismuth?

Pink Bismuth is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

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

Warnings

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

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Pink Bismuth if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • black or bloody stools;

  • a stomach ulcer;

  • bleeding problems; or

  • if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

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

  • 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.

How should I take Pink Bismuth?

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

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Pink Bismuth.

Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using Pink Bismuth.

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

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

Detailed Pink Bismuth dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Pink Bismuth is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Do not take more than 8 doses per day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable, problems with balance or coordination, confusion, tremors, or jerky muscle movements.

What should I avoid while taking Pink Bismuth?

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

Pink Bismuth side effects

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

Stop taking Pink Bismuth 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.

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

Common side effects include:

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.

Pink Bismuth side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Pink Bismuth?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Pink Bismuth with any other medications, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Pink Bismuth, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Pink Bismuth drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Black hairy tongue is often caused by a bacterial or yeast overgrowth in the mouth. It results in a dark, furry appearance of dead skin cells on the surface of the tongue that can be stained from bacteria, food, or tobacco. Although unpleasant, it's usually temporary and harmless. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02.