Pepto-Bismol Chewable Tablets 262.5mg are a pharmacy medicine containing bismuth subsalicylate. They are used in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over for the fast relief of upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn and nausea, and to control diarrhoea.

Each chewable tablet contains 262.5mg of bismuth subsalicylate. The tablets are taken by mouth and can be chewed or dissolved in the mouth, with no need to take them with food. They can be taken before or after meals, on either an empty or full stomach.

The recommended dose is two tablets, which may be repeated every 30 to 60 minutes if needed, up to a maximum of 16 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use for more than 2 days unless advised by a doctor.

Pepto-Bismol is not suitable for children under 16 years of age. A pharmacist can provide advice where appropriate about the safe use of this medicine.

Main ingredients: Bismuth subsalicylate 262.5mg per chewable tablet.

Excipients: Mannitol, calcium carbonate, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, peppermint flavour, saccharin sodium, aspartame (E951), amaranth aluminium lake (E123), vanilla cream flavour.

Pepto-Bismol Chewable Tablets are used in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over for the fast relief of heartburn, indigestion, nausea and upset stomach associated with overindulgence in food and drink, and to control diarrhoea.

Adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over: Chew or dissolve two tablets in the mouth. This is one dose and provides 525mg of bismuth subsalicylate.

If needed, repeat the dose every 30 to 60 minutes.

Do not take more than 16 tablets in any 24-hour period.

Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not use for more than 2 days unless advised by a doctor.

Pepto-Bismol can be taken before or after meals and on either an empty or full stomach. It is for oral use only.

If you forget a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it.

If you have diarrhoea, it is important to prevent or manage dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids or using oral rehydration products, particularly if you are frail or elderly.

Stop using the medicine and speak to a doctor if your symptoms are severe, become worse or last for more than 2 days. Seek advice if you develop ringing in the ears, notice anything unusual, experience unexpected side effects or accidentally take too many tablets.

Always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet and seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, aspirin, other salicylates or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

Do not take this medicine with aspirin or other salicylates.

Do not give Pepto-Bismol to anyone under 16 years of age. Salicylates have been associated with Reye's syndrome, a very rare but serious condition, particularly in children recovering from viral infections such as chickenpox or influenza.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Pepto-Bismol if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, a blood clotting disorder or gout, or if you are taking medicines to thin the blood, medicines for diabetes, medicines for gout, medicines for arthritis such as methotrexate, or tetracycline antibiotics.

Bismuth can reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. Where both medicines are required, separating the doses by a couple of hours can help minimise this interaction.

Do not use Pepto-Bismol if symptoms are severe or persist for more than 2 days. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use for longer than 2 days unless advised by a doctor, as higher doses or prolonged use increase the risk of serious side effects, including bismuth toxicity.

If you have diarrhoea, particularly if you are frail or elderly, take care to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Pepto-Bismol should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly necessary. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

No effect on the ability to drive or use machinery has been observed.

This medicine contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine, which may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria. It also contains amaranth aluminium lake (E123), which may cause allergic reactions, including asthma.

If you accidentally take too many tablets, stop taking Pepto-Bismol and seek medical advice. Overdose may cause symptoms including vomiting, dehydration, ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing changes, sweating, rapid breathing, confusion, tremor, problems with speech or movement, seizures or kidney problems. Severe overdose requires urgent medical attention.