What is Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Bismuth subsalicylate is an anti-diarrhea medication and antacid.
Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.
Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Salicylates can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have a stomach ulcer, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.
Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).
Bismuth subsalicylate can cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.
This medication can also cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests, thyroid scans, or stomach x-rays. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently taken bismuth subsalicylate.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Subsalicylate can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
You should not use bismuth subsalicylate if you have:
- a stomach ulcer
- a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or
- if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others
Before taking bismuth subsalicylate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- fever
- mucus in your stools
- diabetes
- arthritis; or
- gout
Do not take bismuth subsalicylate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
Bismuth subsalicylate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Maalox Total Stomach Relief Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- hearing loss or ringing in your ears
- diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or
- worsened stomach symptoms
Less serious side effects include:
- constipation
- dark colored stools; or
- black or darkened tongue
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Maalox Total Stomach Relief Interactions
What other drugs affect Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
The following drugs can interact with bismuth subsalicylate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth
- medications to treat gout, such as probenecid (Benemid) or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)
- medication used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), and urokinase (Abbokinase)
- salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or
- a tetracycline antibiotic, including doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), and others
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with bismuth subsalicylate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Talk to your doctor before taking additional antacids or diarrhea medications together with bismuth subsalicylate.
Maalox Total Stomach Relief Dosage
How should I take Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).
Bismuth subsalicylate can cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests, thyroid scans, or stomach x-rays. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently taken bismuth subsalicylate.
Store bismuth subsalicylate at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or freezing temperature.
What happens if I overdose on Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst, anxiety, muscle spasm, ringing in your ears, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, problems with speech or vision, severe stomach pain, or worsening diarrhea or vomiting.
What happens if I miss a dose of Maalox Total Stomach Relief (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Since bismuth subsalicylate is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours).
Edited from everydayhealth.com