Standard Pepto-Bismol tablet dosage for adults
The standard dose of Pepto-Bismol tablets for adults is two tablets every 30 minutes to one hour, up to eight doses in 24 hours. Each tablet contains 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient that reduces stomach acid and kills some bacteria that cause diarrhea and indigestion.
Do not exceed eight doses (16 tablets) in a 24-hour period. If symptoms persist after two days of use, or if you have bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, stop taking Pepto-Bismol and contact a doctor or poison control center.
Key Takeaways
- Adults take two tablets every 30 minutes to one hour, with a maximum of eight doses in 24 hours.
- Children ages 12 and up follow the adult dose; children under 12 should not take Pepto-Bismol tablets without a doctor's instruction.
- Do not chew tablets—swallow them whole with water to avoid staining your mouth and teeth black.
- Stop use and call a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than two days, or if you see blood in your stool or vomit.
- Pepto-Bismol is not safe during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you take blood thinners or have a salicylate allergy.
Dosage for children and teenagers
Children ages 12 and older can take the same dose as adults: two tablets every 30 minutes to one hour, up to eight doses in 24 hours. The tablets are not recommended for children under 12 without direct instruction from a pediatrician, because bismuth subsalicylate can cause serious side effects in younger children, including Reye's syndrome in rare cases.
If your child under 12 has diarrhea or stomach upset, ask your pediatrician about liquid Pepto-Bismol formulations designed for children, which use lower concentrations and come with age-specific dosing instructions on the label.
How to take Pepto-Bismol tablets correctly
Swallow tablets whole with water—do not chew them. Chewing will stain your mouth, tongue, and teeth black or dark gray. The staining is temporary and harmless, but it can be alarming and difficult to remove quickly. If you accidentally chew a tablet, rinse your mouth with water.
Take tablets on an empty stomach or with food, depending on what feels comfortable. Space doses at least 30 minutes apart. If you forget a dose, take the next dose at the regular time—do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
When to stop taking Pepto-Bismol and see a doctor
Stop taking Pepto-Bismol and contact a doctor or poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) if you experience black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe abdominal pain, ringing in the ears, or confusion. These are signs of serious illness or overdose.
Also stop use if diarrhea lasts longer than two days, or if you develop a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C). These symptoms suggest a bacterial infection or other condition that needs medical evaluation, not over-the-counter treatment. Do not use Pepto-Bismol for more than two days without talking to a doctor.
Who should not take Pepto-Bismol
Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to salicylates (aspirin-like compounds), or taking blood thinners such as warfarin or clopidogrel. Bismuth subsalicylate can harm a developing fetus and pass into breast milk. It also increases bleeding risk if you take anticoagulants.
Tell your doctor before taking Pepto-Bismol if you have gout, kidney disease, or a history of stomach ulcers. Bismuth subsalicylate can worsen gout symptoms and may accumulate in the kidneys if you have kidney problems. If you are unsure whether Pepto-Bismol is safe for you, call your pharmacist or doctor before taking it.
Pepto-Bismol tablets versus liquid and chewables
Pepto-Bismol comes in three forms: tablets, liquid suspension, and chewable tablets. The regular tablets contain 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate per tablet. Chewable tablets also contain 262 mg but dissolve in your mouth instead of requiring you to swallow them whole. Liquid suspension contains 262 mg per 15 mL (one tablespoon).
Tablets are convenient for travel and do not stain as easily as liquid if spilled. Liquid works faster for some people because it coats the stomach when ready. Chewables are a middle ground but still carry the risk of mouth staining. Choose the form that works best for your situation, but follow the dosing instructions on the label for whichever form you select.
What Pepto-Bismol does and does not treat
Pepto-Bismol reduces stomach acid, kills some bacteria, and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. It works best for mild indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea caused by food, stress, or minor stomach upset. It does not cure bacterial infections, viral gastroenteritis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
If your diarrhea is watery and frequent, or if you have a fever, bloody stools, or severe cramping, you likely have an infection or condition that needs a doctor's diagnosis. Pepto-Bismol may mask symptoms while the underlying problem gets worse. In those cases, contact a doctor instead of self-treating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Pepto-Bismol every day?
No. Pepto-Bismol is meant for short-term use only—up to two days without a doctor's supervision. Taking it daily or for longer than two weeks can cause bismuth to build up in your body and damage your kidneys or nervous system. If you have chronic indigestion or diarrhea, see a doctor to find out what is causing it.
Will Pepto-Bismol turn my stool black?
Yes. Bismuth subsalicylate turns stool black or dark gray, which is normal and harmless. The color change is temporary and goes away once you stop taking the medication. Do not confuse this with blood in your stool, which appears as red streaks or looks like tar and requires medical attention.
Can I take Pepto-Bismol with other medications?
Pepto-Bismol can interact with blood thinners, aspirin, certain antibiotics, and some diabetes medications. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medications and supplements you take before using Pepto-Bismol. Do not combine it with other bismuth-containing products or salicylate medications.
What should I do if I take too much Pepto-Bismol?
Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room. Overdose symptoms include ringing in the ears, confusion, rapid breathing, and black stools. Do not wait for symptoms to develop—call when ready if you or someone else has taken more than the recommended dose.
Is Pepto-Bismol safe if I have a salicylate allergy?
No. Bismuth subsalicylate is a salicylate compound, so it can trigger an allergic reaction in people with salicylate sensitivity or aspirin allergy. Symptoms include rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. If you have a salicylate allergy, avoid Pepto-Bismol and ask your doctor about alternatives.