Proper Use of This Medicine

For safe and effective use of this medicine:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

For patients using this medicine to treat diarrhea:

• It is very important that the fluid lost by the body be replaced and that a proper diet be followed . For the first 24 hours you should drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, broth, and gelatin. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the diarrhea worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea a serious condition may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs of too much fluid loss occur:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosing—The dose of bismuth subsalicylate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of bismuth subsalicylate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or tablespoonfuls or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (suspension):
  • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablespoonfuls every half-hour to one hour if needed. You should not take more than 16 tablespoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 8 tablespoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age—The usual dose is 1 tablespoonful every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 8 tablespoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 4 tablespoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age—The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 16 teaspoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 8 teaspoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age—The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 8 teaspoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 4 teaspoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight:
      • For children weighing 6.4 to 13 kilograms (kg) (14 to 28 pounds): The usual dose is 1/2 teaspoonful of the regular-strength suspension or 1/4 teaspoonful of the concentrate.
      • For children weighing over 13 kg (29 pounds): The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful of the regular-strength suspension or 1/2 teaspoonful of the concentrate.
• For oral dosage forms (tablets or chewable tablets):
  • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablets every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 16 tablets in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age—The usual dose is 1 tablet every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 8 tablets in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 9 years of age—The oral suspension is the preferred dosage form for this age group.

Missed dose—If your doctor has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.