Percy Medicine for Diarrhea – 4 fl oz

Percy Medicine is a liquid antidiarrheal formulated with bismuth subsalicylate to help relieve diarrhea and associated digestive discomfort. Its labeled uses include reducing the number of bowel movements, helping firm stool, relieving traveler’s diarrhea, and relieving upset stomach caused by overindulgence in food and drink.

Available from The Oakhurst Company, Percy Medicine is a traditional liquid remedy for customers seeking an over-the-counter option for diarrhea relief.

What Is Percy Medicine?

Percy Medicine contains bismuth subsalicylate, an active ingredient used in antidiarrheal products. The liquid formulation is labeled to relieve diarrhea, reduce the number of bowel movements, help firm stool, and relieve upset stomach associated with overindulgence in food and drink.

The product also carries specific warnings concerning salicylate allergies, certain medical conditions, medication interactions, and use by children and teenagers. Always read the product label before use and follow its directions. For the product's published Drug Facts information, see Percy Medicine on DailyMed.

Product Specifications

• Size: 4 fl oz (118 mL)
  
  

• Product: Percy Medicine for Diarrhea

• Form: Liquid

• Active ingredient: Bismuth subsalicylate

• Strength: 525 mg per teaspoon (5 mL)

• Purpose: Antidiarrheal

• Labeled uses: Relief of diarrhea, reduction in the number of bowel movements, helping firm stool, relief of traveler’s diarrhea, and relief of upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink

Active and Inactive Ingredients

Active ingredient

Bismuth subsalicylate — 525 mg per teaspoon (5 mL).

Inactive ingredients

Calcium hydroxide, citric acid, ethyl alcohol, glycerin, gum arabic, oil of cinnamon, oil of orange, potassium carbonate, rhubarb fluid extract, sugar, and purified water.

Additional label information

Each teaspoon (5 mL) contains calcium 6 mg and total salicylate 200 mg.

Directions for Use

Shake well before using.

• Adults and children 12 years and older: Take 2 teaspoonfuls every hour as needed.

• Maximum dosage: Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.

• Duration: Do not use for more than 2 days.

• Children under 12: Consult a doctor.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration.

Follow the product label. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Warnings and Precautions

Reye’s syndrome warning: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. If changes in behavior accompanied by nausea or vomiting occur while using the product, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert: Do not take this product if you are allergic to salicylates, including aspirin, or are taking other salicylate products.

Do not use if you have:

• Bloody or black stool

• An ulcer

• A bleeding problem

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking medication for:

• Anticoagulation or blood thinning

• Diabetes

• Gout

• Arthritis

Ask a doctor before use if you have a fever or mucus in your stool.

While using this product: Temporary, harmless darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur.

Stop use and consult a doctor if:

• Symptoms get worse

• Diarrhea lasts more than 2 days

• Ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Tamper-evident packaging: Do not use if the inner cap seal is broken or missing.

Storage Information

Store at room temperature. Protect from freezing and excessive heat (over 40°F or 104°C).

Percy Medicine: A Traditional Remedy

Percy Medicine is one of America's long-running stomach remedies. The Smithsonian Institution holds a Percy Medicine package in its collection — labeled for "diarrhea, indigestion, cholera infantum and summer complaints of children."

The remedy predates the Pepto-Bismol era by decades and sat in medicine cabinets for generations. Today it is manufactured by The Oakhurst Company as a bismuth subsalicylate liquid (525 mg per teaspoon), with current FDA over-the-counter labeling — the same traditional remedy, made today.

The History of Percy Medicine

Percy Medicine has a documented history dating back more than a century. According to the product’s published history, the remedy originated in 1898 and entered the market in the early 1900s.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History preserves historical packaging for Baby Percy Medicine or Dr. McDonald’s Celebrated Prescription, dated to before 1938. The package is associated with Merrick Medicine Company and reflects Percy Medicine’s place in the history of American patent medicines.

Today, Oakhurst manufactures Percy Medicine and continues the tradition of making this longstanding remedy available to customers. The current liquid formulation contains bismuth subsalicylate and is labeled to relieve diarrhea, help firm stool, and relieve upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink.

Frequently Asked Questions About Percy Medicine

What is Percy Medicine used for?

Percy Medicine is a liquid antidiarrheal labeled to relieve diarrhea, reduce the number of bowel movements, help firm stool, relieve traveler’s diarrhea, and relieve upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink.

What is the active ingredient in Percy Medicine?

The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, at a concentration of 525 mg per teaspoon (5 mL).

How does Percy Medicine help relieve diarrhea?

Its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is used in over-the-counter antidiarrheal products. Percy Medicine’s labeled uses include relieving diarrhea and helping firm stool.

Can Percy Medicine help with an upset stomach?

Yes. The product label lists relief of upset stomach due to overindulgence in food and drink among its uses.

How much Percy Medicine should adults take?

The label directs adults and children 12 years and older to take 2 teaspoonfuls every hour as needed, with no more than 4 doses in 24 hours and no use beyond 2 days. Shake well before use.

Can children take Percy Medicine?

Children under 12 should not use it without consulting a doctor. Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.

Can Percy Medicine cause dark stools?

Yes. The label states that temporary, harmless darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur. However, the product should not be used by someone with bloody or black stool, according to its warnings.

Who should not take Percy Medicine?

People allergic to salicylates, including aspirin, or taking other salicylate products should not use it. The label also says not to use it if you have an ulcer, a bleeding problem, or bloody or black stool. Additional precautions apply to people taking certain medications.

Can I take Percy Medicine with other medications?

Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take medication for anticoagulation, diabetes, gout, or arthritis. The product contains a salicylate, so medication compatibility should be reviewed when appropriate.

How long can I use Percy Medicine?

The label says not to use it for more than 2 days. Stop use and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen, diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, or ringing in the ears or hearing loss occurs.

What should I do if diarrhea continues?

The label instructs users to stop use and consult a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days. Drinking plenty of clear fluids helps prevent dehydration.

What are the inactive ingredients in Percy Medicine?

The listed inactive ingredients are calcium hydroxide, citric acid, ethyl alcohol, glycerin, gum arabic, oil of cinnamon, oil of orange, potassium carbonate, rhubarb fluid extract, sugar, and purified water.

Where can I buy Percy Medicine?

Percy Medicine can be purchased through The Oakhurst Company’s product page, subject to availability.

Important Product Information

This page is intended to describe the product and reproduce its labeled directions and warnings. It does not replace the product packaging or advice from a healthcare professional. Always read the Drug Facts label before use.