Medicines

Estomaquil: Uses, Side Effects, How to Use It

Estomaquil is a stomach upset reliever and antidiarrheal medication containing bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg in each pouch contains 262 mg. Abdominal pain and diarrhea that occurs at the same time can be caused by a variety of factors. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may persist as long as 10 days.

Because the symptoms are similar, it’s easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, salmonella, and E. coli, or parasites, such as giardia.

What is Estomaquil used for?

Estomaquil is used to treat diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Estomaquil is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, reducing inflammation within the intestine, and may kill the organisms that can cause diarrhea.

Estomaquil possesses antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an excellent agent for symptomatic treatment of nausea, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Estomaquil,

•          tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Doan’s, others), and salsalate (Argesic, Disalcid, Salgesic); or any other medication.

•          tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking bismuth subsalicylate if you take: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); a daily aspirin; or medication for diabetes, arthritis or gout.

•          if you are taking tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), and tetracycline (Sumycin), take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after taking bismuth subsalicylate.

•          ask your doctor before taking this medication if you have ever had an ulcer, bleeding problem, stools that are bloody or blackened, or kidney disease. Also, ask your doctor before taking bismuth subsalicylate if you have a fever or mucus in your stool. If you will be giving bismuth subsalicylate to a child or teenager, tell the child’s doctor if the child has any of the following symptoms before he or she receives the medication: vomiting, listlessness, drowsiness, confusion, aggression, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weakness, or flu-like symptoms. Also tell the child’s doctor if the child has not been drinking normally, has had excessive vomiting or diarrhea, or appears dehydrated.

•          ask your doctor about taking this medication if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

How to use Estomaquil

Estomaquil is taken by mouth, with or without food. Follow the directions on the package carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Estomaquil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor.

Adults & Children 12 yrs or older: Dissolve 2 pouches in 1/2 glass of water. Repeat every 1/2 to 1 hour as needed, to a maximum of 8 doses in a 24-hour period.

  • use until diarrhea stops, but not more than 2 days, If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration which may accompany diarrhea.
  • Children under 12 yrs ask a doctor.

Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration which may accompany diarrhea. If your symptoms get worse or if your diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Estomaquil should not be used for more than 2 days, If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

What are the side effects of Estomaquil?

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, Estomaquil may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking Estomaquil:

In some patients, Estomaquil may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking Estomaquil.

•          Anxiety

•          any loss of hearing

•          confusion

•          constipation (severe)

•          diarrhea (severe or continuing)

•          difficulty in speaking or slurred speech

•          dizziness or lightheadedness

•          drowsiness (severe)

•          fast or deep breathing

•          headache (severe or continuing)

•          increased sweating

•          increased thirst

•          mental depression

•          muscle spasms (especially in the face, neck, and back)

•          muscle weakness

•          nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)

•          ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing)

•          stomach pain (severe or continuing)

•          trembling

•          uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands (especially in elderly patients) or other uncontrolled body movements

•          vision problems

Where can I buy Estomaquil?

Estomaquil is an over-the-counter medication which implies that you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy it. You can safely purchase Estomaquil at your local pharmacy or online on Amazon and other online stores like Walgreens Pharmacy, CVS  pharmacy, or Walmart Pharmacy.

What other information should I know?

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Estomaquil. You may notice darkening of the stool and/or tongue while you are taking Estomaquil. This darkening is harmless and usually goes away in a few days after you stop taking this medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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