Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dark tongue
• grey or dark stools

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• anxiety
• muscle spasms
• muscle weakness
• severe Constipation

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (Hives, swelling of the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing)
• symptoms of taking too much of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) (seizures, extreme drowsiness, fast breathing, ringing in the ears, confusion, hearing loss)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate).

Caplet
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) is available as a 262 mg caplet.

Liquid
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) is available as 17.5 mg/ mL and 35 mg/mL liquid preparations.

Do not use Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) if you:

• are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other salicylate products (e.g., Asa)
• have a bleeding problem
• have a stomach or intestinal ulcer
• have bloody or black stools

Do not give Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) to children or adolescents with flu-like symptoms or Chickenpox.

There may be an interaction between bismuth subsalicylate and any of the following:

• insulin
• Methotrexate
• Omeprazole
• oral medications used to treat diabetes (e.g., Glyburide, Gliclazide)
• other salicylate medications (e.g., ASA)
• probenecid
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, Minocycline, tetracycline)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate).

Bleeding problems: Bismuth subsalicylate should not be used without a doctor's recommendation if you have ulcers, bleeding disorders or bloody or black stools.

Diabetes: Salicylate medications can cause decreased blood glucose control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diarrhea: If you have mucus in your diarrhea or if you also have a Fever, contact your doctor before using Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate). Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so ensure you are drinking enough fluids (e.g., oral rehydration solution). If you experience symptoms of dehydration (e.g., Dry Mouth, excessive thirst, decreased urine production, dizziness, lightheadedness), contact your doctor.

If you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or your symptoms get worse, contact your doctor.

Gout: Salicylate medications can make symptoms of gout worse or cause an attack of gout. If you have gout, discuss with your doctor how Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Bismuth subsalicylate can build up in the body when the liver is not working properly. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Reye's Syndrome: Children and adolescents who have or are recovering from chickenpox or other flu-like symptoms should not use Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) as it may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. If you notice behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting in your child after treating with bismuth subsalicylate, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if bismuth subsalicylate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Bismuth Subsalicylate (Bismuth-subsalicylate) have not been established for children less than 2 years of age.