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Compare Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Loperamide (Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are both antidiarrheal medications, but they work differently and have different uses. Loperamide slows down bowel movements and reduces fluid in the intestines, making it effective for controlling diarrhea, including chronic conditions. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Bismuth subsalicylate, on the other hand, treats diarrhea and various stomach issues like nausea, gas, and indigestion by slowing down stomach and intestinal movements and helping reabsorb fluids. It is only available over-the-counter. Loperamide can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation, while bismuth subsalicylate may cause nausea, a bitter taste, and dark-colored stools or tongue. Additionally, bismuth subsalicylate should not be used in children under 12 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, whereas loperamide can be used in children as young as 2 years old with a prescription. Both medications should not be used for more than two days without consulting a healthcare professional.

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  • Imodium multi-symptom relief
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Imodium multi-symptom relief
    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

  • Summary of Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Summary for Antidiarrheal / Antiflatulent

    Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is a combination medication that contains loperamide and simethicone. It's used to relieve symptoms of diarrhea and bloating and cramps from gas. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication, while simethicone helps ease gassiness (flatulence). Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief can be used for people over the age of 6. In general, you can take a tablet after each loose stool (up until the maximum daily dose). Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is found over the counter as brand-name and generic versions. Side effects aren't common but can include tiredness and dizziness.

    Summary for Antidiarrheal

    Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a salicylate antidiarrheal medication. It's used to ease diarrhea and symptoms of an upset stomach (e.g., gas, nausea) in adults and kids ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once every 30 minutes to an hour, as needed. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is found over the counter in several different formulations, such as chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects of this medication include nausea, changes in taste, dark-colored tongue, and black stool.

  • Indications of Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating and cramps caused by gas
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Travelers' diarrhea
    •Symptoms of upset stomach (e.g., heartburn, indigestion, nausea, gas, belching (burping), fullness)

  • Pros and Cons of Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal / Antiflatulent
    Pros
    •Tackles both symptoms of diarrhea and gas at the same time
    •Available over the counter as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use in children over 6 years old
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet taken by mouth
    •Doesn't treat the cause of diarrhea or gas, only the symptoms
    •Not meant for long-term use
    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal
    Pros
    •Treats a wide variety of stomach-related symptoms
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in chewable tablets or liquid for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Shouldn’t be taken for longer than 2 days
    •Can cause darkening of the tongue or stools
    •Might need to take it multiple times per day
    •Not for children less than 12 years of age due to higher risk of Reye's syndrome

  • Common Side Effects of Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Bitter taste in mouth
    •Diarrhea
    •Dark-colored stools

  • Warnings of Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for serious heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Imodium (multi symptom) vs. Bismuth subsalicylate

    Learn more about Imodium multi-symptom relief
    Learn more about Bismuth subsalicylate

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