Black tongue, stomach pains, nauseous, diarrhea

While traveling in New Zealand several months ago, I had a metallic taste in my mouth. My tongue was black, I was nauseous, had diarrhea, and stomach pains. All symptoms subsided within a few days. However, I just suffered a recurrence. I was on a cruise ship for a few days a week ago, in the Bahamas, but felt fine during that time, and for the week that I am home. What could be the cause of this? I am particularly perplexed by the black tongue.

did you happen to ingest any pepto bismal or similar product ? I used to notice my black toungue and was concerned as well, then noticed that everytime I drank pepto bismal my toungue would be black the next day. I think it may be the active ingredient's chemical reaction byproduct residue left predominately in the back of toungue

Guest wrote:

While traveling in New Zealand several months ago, I had a metallic taste in my mouth. My tongue was black, I was nauseous, had diarrhea, and stomach pains. All symptoms subsided within a few days. However, I just suffered a recurrence. I was on a cruise ship for a few days a week ago, in the Bahamas, but felt fine during that time, and for the week that I am home. What could be the cause of this? I am particularly perplexed by the black tongue.

Just wondering, if you noticed the black tongue after taking pepto bismol? Taking bismuth will color your tongue black. If this is the case, you probably had a stomach flu and took pepto bismol to comfort your stomach- ended up with a black tongue.

Common side effects of bismuth subsalicylate include black stools and a temporary black discoloration of your tongue. If you develop ringing in the ears, stop taking the medication because you may be developing salicylate toxicity. Aspirin and bismuth subsalicylate contain the same active ingredient, so don't use aspirin while you take bismuth subsalicylate. If you are allergic to aspirin are pregnant, or have a history of kidney disease, ulcers or other bleeding disorders, consult your doctor before taking bismuth subsalicylate.