2. CERTAIN ANTI-NAUSEA/ANTI-DIARRHEAL MEDICINES
Remember we italicized the phrase “aspirin-containing”? That’s because salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, can find its way into unlikely places. Take bismuth subsalicylates, for example. That’s an ingredient found in certain anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medicines, including Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and the more generic name of pink bismuth. If “bismuth subsalicylates” rings a bell, it’s because of that ingredient “salicylate.” While the sweet pink syrup may seem like a natural to give to kids, again, aspirin or aspirin-containing medications can be very dangerous to babies, children, and even teenagers if given during a viral illness. “Bismuth subsalicylates should not be taken if an allergy to salicylates, such as aspirin, is present or to children under 12 years of age,” cautions LiveStrong.com. “It should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age who has chicken pox or the flu.”
