What it means
An antidiarrheal and stomach-soothing drug. It coats and protects the stomach, has mild antibacterial effects and lowers fluid in the bowel. It is also part of some treatment plans for Helicobacter pylori. It can turn the tongue and stools black, which is harmless.
For the nurse
Because it contains a salicylate, it is not given to children or teens recovering from flu or chickenpox (risk of Reye syndrome), or to people with an aspirin allergy or on anticoagulants. Teach that black stools from it are expected.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidiarrheal |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate |
| Also written | Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate |