Kaopectate Extra Strength Side Effects

Generic name: bismuth subsalicylate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 22, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Kaopectate Extra Strength.

Applies to bismuth subsalicylate: oral capsule liquid filled, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable Side Effects associated with bismuth subsalicylate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Kaopectate Extra Strength.

Applies to bismuth subsalicylate: oral capsule liquid filled, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Precautions

Check the labels of all over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, and prescription medicines you now take. If any contain aspirin or other salicylates, be especially careful. Using other salicylate-containing products while taking this medicine may lead to overdose. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For diabetic patients:

• False urine sugar test results may occur if you are regularly taking large amounts of bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient contained in Kaopectate Extra Strength) or other salicylates.
• Smaller doses or occasional use of bismuth subsalicylate usually will not affect urine sugar tests. However, check with your health care professional (especially if your diabetes is not well-controlled) if:
  • you are not sure how much salicylate you are taking every day.
  • you notice any change in your urine sugar test results.
  • you have any other questions about this possible problem.

If you think that you or anyone else may have taken an overdose, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medicine may cause unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), hearing loss, confusion, ringing or buzzing in the ears, severe drowsiness or tiredness, severe excitement or nervousness, and fast or deep breathing.

If you are taking this medicine for diarrhea, check with your doctor:

• if your symptoms do not improve within 2 days or if they become worse.
• if you also have a high fever.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, bismuth subsalicylate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bismuth subsalicylate:

In some patients bismuth subsalicylate may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you Stop taking bismuth subsalicylate.

• Anxiety
• any loss of hearing
• confusion
• constipation (severe)
• diarrhea (severe or continuing)
• difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness (severe)
• fast or deep breathing
• headache (severe or continuing)
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• mental depression
• muscle spasms (especially of face, neck, and back)
• muscle weakness
• nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)
• ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing)
• stomach pain (severe or continuing)
• trembling
• uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands (especially in elderly patients) or other uncontrolled body movements
• vision problems

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bismuth subsalicylate: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Nervous system adverse events

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myoclonic encephalopathy
• Frequency not reported: Weakness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, unsteady gait, motor incoordination, loss of memory, jerky movements, mental confusion, disorientation, difficulty in walking and speaking, tremor, myoclonic jerks, incontinence^[Ref]

Nervous system toxicity is a common feature of bismuth toxicity. Bismuth toxicity is characterized by the insidious onset of weakness and fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, unsteady gait, motor incoordination, loss of memory, and jerky movements. Acute toxicity may result in the development of mental confusion, disorientation, difficulty in walking and speaking, tremor, myoclonic jerks, and incontinence.

Myoclonic encephalopathy has occurred in patients who have ingested bismuth for several months to years, but the incidence is very rare. Recovery of patients from bismuth encephalopathy may take several months following discontinuation of use. Bismuth encephalopathy has generally been reported in patients ingesting salts other than subsalicylate.^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Salicylism^[Ref]

Salicylism has been reported in patients who chronically ingest bismuth subsalicylate. Common complaints include vertigo, diminished hearing, lethargy, CNS dysfunction, confusion, tinnitus, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Patients may present with respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, azotemia, and hypoprothrombinemia and platelet dysfunction. The elderly may be particularly vulnerable to the development of salicylism.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Black stool
• Common (1% to 10%): Black tongue
• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What causes black hairy tongue?

Further information

Kaopectate Extra Strength side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer