"Hundreds of thousands of consumers in California and across the country -- including pregnant women and children -- ingested Kaopectate and generic versions for years without knowing the products contained enough lead to pose a health risk," Lockyer said.

Kaopectate is used for treating diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas or upset in the stomach. It works by helping to slow down the growth of bacteria that may cause diarrhea.

Kaopectate contains salicylic acid that can potentially harm the kidneys. If you have chronic kidney disease, check with your doctor before taking this over-the-counter (OTC) drug. The chances of its side effects are high because the body cannot effectively eliminate bismuth subsalicylate present in Kaopectate.

Imodium has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 29 ratings on Drugs.com. 72% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect. Kaopectate has an average rating of 10.0 out of 10 from a total of 2 ratings on Drugs.com.

In Canada, McNeil Consumer Healthcare continues to market Kaopectate using attapulgite as the active ingredient. However, Kaopectate was recalled in July 2021 in Canada because it may contain arsenic and lead beyond acceptable limits.

Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe constipation/nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, uncomfortable fullness of the stomach/abdomen, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Active Ingredients: (Per 15 ml): Bismuth Subsalicylate (262 mg). Purposes: Anti-Diarrheal/ Upset Stomach Reliever. Inactive Ingredients: Caramel, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Flavor, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Salicylate, Sorbic Acid, Sucrose, Water, Xanthan Gum (309-130).

adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 dose (30 mL) every hour as needed. do not exceed 4 doses (120 mL) in 24 hours. use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days.

Please ask a health professional before using Kaopectate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do I have to take Kaopectate with food? Kaopectate can be taken with or without food.

In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis.

Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways:

• Loperamide (Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.

In most cases, over-the-counter medication can be helpful in stopping an occasional bout of diarrhea - especially traveler's diarrhea, which may result from ingesting contaminated food or water while abroad. Over-the-counter options include Imodium (loperamide) and Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate).

Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) is another popular choice to treat diarrhea for adults and children 12 years and older. It contains the same active ingredient as Pepto-Bismol. But there are a few differences between these two OTC diarrhea medicines. Kaopectate comes as caplets and a liquid.

adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 dose (30 mL) every hour as needed. do not exceed 4 doses (120 mL) in 24 hours. use until diarrhea stops but not more than 2 days.

Bismuth subsalicylate is available under the following different brand names: Kaopectate, Pepto Bismol, Maalox Total Relief, Kaopectate Extra Strength, and Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength.

TRUSTED FORMULA: Kaopectate liquid & caplet products are formulated with Bismuth subsalicylate, a trusted antacid ingredient proven to help relieve temporary stomach and GI discomfort.