Pepto-Bismol Original Liquid 16 fl oz (473 mL) 厂家产品图

Pepto Bismol Original Liquid: Uses, Dosing and Black Stool Precautions

Published Published by Starside Drugs

Pepto Bismol Original is an OTC oral suspension containing bismuth subsalicylate for diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea and upset stomach from overindulgence, including heartburn, indigestion and nausea. This guide covers U.S. Original liquid, 525 mg per 30 mL, not Ultra, tablets or Kids products.

Check concentration and the dosing cup

Shake well and use only the supplied cup. For adults and children 12 and older, the diarrhea directions are 30 mL every half hour or 60 mL every hour as needed. For upset stomach from overindulgence, take 30 mL every half hour as needed. The maximum is 240 mL (eight 30 mL doses) in 24 hours. Stop when diarrhea stops; do not use for more than 2 days. Ask a doctor for children under 12, and replace fluids lost through diarrhea.

Who should not self-treat?

Do not use if allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, taking other salicylate products, or if you have an ulcer, bleeding problem, bloody stool or black stool. Children and teenagers with or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms must not use it because of the risk of rare but serious Reye's syndrome.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist first about fever, mucus in the stool, kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, anticoagulants or medicines for diabetes, gout or arthritis. Do not turn it into ongoing treatment for recurrent diarrhea.

What about a dark tongue or stool?

Temporary darkening can occur after taking it and usually clears within days after stopping. However, black or bloody stool present before treatment is a do-not-use warning. Do not dismiss it as a medicine effect. Seek care if the cause is unclear or other symptoms occur.

When should you stop?

Stop and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen, last more than 2 days, or ringing in the ears or hearing loss occurs.

Common questions

Can Original and Ultra use the same volume? No. The manufacturer lists 30 mL per Original dose and 15 mL per Ultra dose. Follow the complete label on the actual product.

With food or without? MedlinePlus says it may be taken either way. Follow the product-specific intervals and limits.

Starside Drugs perspective: Check concentration, age and warning signs first. A familiar pink stomach medicine is not a reason to keep extending self-treatment.

Professional sources

Sources checked October 23, 2026. General education does not replace individual medical care. Read the complete product label.

Back to blog