Kaopectate Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to help with your upset stomach? Well, you’ve got plenty of options. Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate — the same active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) is a classic choice that treats symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.

The Kaopectate brand has several products on pharmacy shelves, each with its own set of instructions. Because of the multiple products, it can be confusing to remember how to take each one. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about adult and children’s Kaopectate dosages.

What’s the typical Kaopectate dosage for adults?

Kaopectate products come as oral liquids and tablets. You can use either option to treat your symptoms, but be sure to read the OTC label carefully. Some liquid forms are more concentrated than others. This means they contain more medication in the same amount of liquid, so the recommended dosage amount will be different.

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Be sure to shake liquid Kaopectate bottles well before each dose. It’s also important to use a proper dosing device to measure the liquid. Each product comes with a medication cup, and using it is recommended. If you lose the cup, talk to your pharmacist. They’re often able to provide you with replacement dosing devices.

Kaopectate liquid (regular strength)

Kaopectate liquid comes in three flavors: vanilla, peppermint, or cherry. Each option contains 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate in every 15 mL of liquid.

The adult liquid Kaopectate dosage is 30 mL every 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed. Don’t take more than 240 mL (8 doses) in 24 hours. For diarrhea, take Kaopectate for no more than 2 days in a row.

Kaopectate Max liquid (double strength)

Kaopectate Max liquid comes in a peppermint flavor and contains 525 mg of bismuth subsalicylate in every 15 mL of liquid. That’s double the amount of medication that’s in regular Kaopectate liquid.

The adult Kaopectate Max dosage is 30 mL every 1 hour as needed. Don’t take more than 120 mL (4 doses) in 24 hours. For diarrhea, take Kaopectate for no more than 2 days in a row.

Kaopectate tablets

Each Kaopectate tablet contains 262 mg of bismuth subsalicylate. The typical adult dose is 2 tablets by mouth every 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Don’t take more than 16 tablets in 24 hours. For diarrhea, take Kaopectate for no more than 2 days in a row.

What’s the typical Kaopectate dosage for children?

When giving Kaopectate to adolescents 12 and older, follow the adult dosages for all products, as detailed above. But don’t give Kaopectate to your child if they have flu-like symptoms or are recovering from a viral illness. This is due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Reye's syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can happen when children and teenagers take medications similar to aspirin. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate’s active ingredient) is related to aspirin. The risk of developing Reye's syndrome is greater if your child or adolescent is recovering from a viral illness, such as the flu, when they take these medications. While no cases of Reye’s syndrome have been reported involving kids taking Kaopectate, it’s best to refrain from giving it to them.

For children younger than 12, talk to their healthcare provider about what medication best treats heartburn or diarrhea. There isn’t enough data to know if Kaopectate is safe or effective for this age group.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

There aren’t any specific health conditions that require you to adjust dosages of Kaopectate. But there are some people who may need to avoid it. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Kaopectate if you:

• Are allergic to aspirin

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

• Take other salicylate medications, such as aspirin

• Follow a sodium-restricted diet

What’s more, it’s a good idea to share your medication list with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Kaopectate interacts with a number of medications. Because of how it works to soothe tummy troubles, it can prevent your body from fully absorbing other medications. This could make them less effective.

If you’re experiencing diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you observe blood or mucus in your stool or develop a fever, notify your provider, as these might indicate more serious stomach issues.

What happens if you miss a dose of Kaopectate?

You should take Kaopectate only when you’re having symptoms. So, missed doses generally aren't a concern. But remember to space doses out as recommended on the label. And stay within the maximum daily limits for your selected Kaopectate product.

What should you do if you take too much Kaopectate?

Accidentally taking an extra dose of Kaopectate typically isn’t a cause for concern. You may experience more side effects, such as nausea or a bitter taste in your mouth or throat. A black tongue or black stools are also possible. Taking too much Kaopectate, especially for long periods of time, can also cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If this happens, you should stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider.

If you or someone you know has taken excessive amounts of Kaopectate, call Poison Control for guidance at 1-800-222-1222. In rare cases, people may need to be treated in the hospital. If you experience severe overdose symptoms such as impaired thinking, tremors, or seizures, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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