The product, sold as Pepto-Bismol and generic brands, may cause a temporary, harmless darkening of the tongue or stool. The warning is needed because, like aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate is a salicylate and may be associated with an increased risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness that can occur in children and teenagers with those illnesses. Other proposed warnings advise users not to take the drug if they're allergic to any salicylate, and to consult a doctor first if they have diabetes, gout or arthritis or if they take blood-thinning medicine. Users are also advised to stop taking the drug if they have ringing in the ears. Viral Infection Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be due to mild viral gastrointestinal infection.
Children are especially susceptible.
A doctor should be consulted if vomiting or diarrhea recur or persist, because dehydration or a chemical imbalance may result and require treatment. I is very important that patients recovering from viral gastrointestinal infection drink plenty of fluids. Prolonged self-treatment may mask a more serious condition, such as an ulcer or cancer. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should consult their doctors before taking any drugs. Fortunately, most upset stomachs get better by themselves or require minimal treatment.