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Does Pepto Bismol Make You Constipated

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Possible Early Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Does Pepto Bismol help IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is very common problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause stomach pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Doctors think that IBS is caused by the brain sending wrong messages to the bowels, such as during times of high stress, causing physical changes. The formal criteria for this diagnosis requires 3 months of symptoms. Therefore you may have an early presentation.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain , nausea or vomiting, stool changes, constipation

Urgency: Primary care doctor

How To Take Pepto

Use Pepto-Bismol exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking bismuth subsalicylate.

Do not take more than 8 doses in one day .

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using bismuth subsalicylate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Since bismuth subsalicylate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Do not take more than 8 doses per day.

How Can I Best Treat My Diarrhea And Help My Recovery

Heres what to do if you get diarrhea:

  • Take IMODIUM straight after your first bout it can relieve diarrhea in just one hour so your body can start to recover sooner
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment
  • Avoid fizzy drinks and rich or spicy foods
  • As your appetite increases, eat regular meals of simple baked foods

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Allergic Reactions And Sensitivity

You shouldn’t give your dog Pepto-Bismol if they are allergic to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you notice your dog is having an allergic reaction to Pepto-Bismol, contact your vet immediately. Consult your vet if you plan on giving your dog Pepto-Bismol if they are pregnant or currently nursing. Do not give your dog Pepto-Bismol if they have a stomach or intestinal ulcer.

How Should I Take Pepto

What Does Pepto Bismol Taste Like? Does Pepto Bismol Taste Good ...

Take this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

Do not take more than 8 doses in one day .

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using bismuth subsalicylate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

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Can I Use Pepto

Pepto-Bismol is not generally recommended for pregnant women due to a possible increased risk of bleeding. Tums may be taken occasionally for indigestion in recommended doses. However, its important for pregnant women to be aware of calcium intake since they may be taking other prenatal vitamins or supplements. Get medical advice from your healthcare provider if youre experiencing heartburn or indigestion while pregnant.

What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication

There may be an interaction between bismuth subsalicylate and any of the following:

  • tetracycline antibiotics

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter , and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Pepto-Bismol

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What Else You Can Do

Things you can do to keep your GI tract as healthy as possible:

  • Exercise regularly it’s good for your lungs and for your digestion.
  • Think actively about how to have enzymes available every time you eat.
  • Be sure to take CF-specific vitamins every day. It is best to take them with meals, so the pancreatic enzymes will help the vitamins get into your body.
  • Eat well and take time to enjoy eating.

Reference to any specific product, process, or service does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

Information contained on this site does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions. This site is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

FDA-approved drug information is available at www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed.

Enzymes: Take Them Every Time You Eat

Pepto-bismol REVIEW

Most people with cystic fibrosis need to take pancreatic enzyme capsules with every meal and snack. The enzyme dosing guidelines are based on consensus rather than research. Doses vary greatly between individuals with CF. Avoid making dosing changes on your own. Always talk to your health care provider first.

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Isnt It Better To Treat The Root Cause Of The Problem

Its true that its better to avoid trigger foods or stresses, if these are the factors that bring on diarrhea for you. But often you cant control the cause of your diarrhea, especially if you have a sensitive system. So the best you can do is treat the effects in order to limit the extra strain on your system caused by loss of fluids and salts. Treatment will stop your diarrhea and help your body to get back to recovery more quickly than if you dont treat at all.

Intestinal Infection By Giardia Parasite

Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by the microscopic protozoan parasite Giardia lambia. It is found in contaminated water, even from city supplies and swimming pools. Giardia can also be spread through contaminated food or through direct contact with an infected person, even if they show no symptoms.

Young children and their caretakers are most susceptible, since children wear diapers or are toilet training. Anyone without access to clean drinking water is also at risk.

Symptoms include abdominal cramps with gas and bloating, and copious watery diarrhea.

Treatment is important. Dehydration and malnutrition can occur from the diarrhea, especially in young children. Lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest milk, can remain even after the infection clears.

Diagnosis is made through examining stool samples under a microscope.

Treatment is a course of antibiotics, either in liquid or pill form.

Frequent and thorough handwashing is the best prevention, as is using only bottled, purified water at all times for drinking and cooking.

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Is There An Alternative To Pepto Bismol For Gas

And you cant take Pepto-Bismol ever day, since the Bismuth in the product can build up to toxic levels. An alternative to Pepto-Bismol is activated charcoal. Like Pepto-Bismol, activated charcoal controls odor, but doesnt reduce gas. Stopping the production of gas usually requires changes in diet.

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Will Pepto Bismol Cause Constipation

Heartburn Black Stool

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Should Poop Sink Or Float

Most poop sinks. But if your poop floats, its typically not something to worry about. Floaters are often caused by excess gas from eating things like beans or sugar-free candies. But if you have floating stools that are also stinky, it can be a sign your body isnt processing food correctly because you have an infection, food intolerance, a digestive disorder or other medical condition.

Does Pepto Bismol Have Aspirin

It contains bismuth subsalicylate. This is the same ingredient found in Pepto-Bismol, another medicine used for diarrhea and upset stomach. Also, do not take Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol if youâre allergic to aspirin. Bismuth subsalicylate is related to aspirin, so you could develop an allergic reaction.

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What Else Can Cause A Change In Stool Color

Healthy stool can range in color from brown to green. Its normal for stool color to vary somewhat due to changes in your diet as well as fluctuations in levels of enzymes, such as bile.

Other dietary causes of black or dark stools can include taking iron supplements and eating black or purple foods, such as black licorice.

In other cases, black or dark-colored stool may be a sign of:

Stools that are pale, yellow, or red may also signal a gastrointestinal problem, such as:

Does Metformin Cause Constipation

What exactly does Pepto Bismol do?

Metformin rarely leads to constipation. According to research, less than 1% of patients receiving metformin get constipated. In addition, constipation is known to cause diarrhea rather than constipation.

The incidence of diarrhea with metformin is up to 53% of patients taking the immediate-release metformin. The incidence is much lower with the extended-release formula .

The table below illustrates the estimated frequencies of different gastrointestinal side effects of metformin :

GI Side Effects.

Stool abnormality

Constipation is less prevalent as a side effect of metformin. The frequency of constipation was about 1% in the extended-release metformin and about 0.6% in the immediate-release metformin .

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Stools are often hard, dry, or lumpy. In addition, constipation is associated with other abdominal symptoms such as bloating and distension .

Having constipation during metformin therapy can be due to other causes .

Suspect metformin as a cause of constipation if you begin to experience it shortly after taking metformin.

If constipation has developed later after months or years of metformin, it is better to think of an alternative cause of constipation other than metformin.

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Esophageal And Gastric Cancers

If you have bleeding in the upper GI tract — the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum — you could have black, tarry stools that are called melena. It could be a sign of esophageal and gastric cancers.

Some other symptoms of esophageal cancer are:

  • Problems with swallowing
  • Losing weight when you aren’t trying to
  • Pain in your chest

Most tears heal on their own. If yours doesn’t, your doctor can use a heat treatment or give you medicine to stop the bleeding.

  • See a dark color in your vomit or poop
  • Feel weak or dizzy
  • Have pain in your chest or belly

Is Tums Good For An Upset Stomach

Tums is an affordable, effective option for treating an upset stomach. Chewable Tums tablets start working within five minutes and can be taken as needed. Tums should only be used for mild, occasional heartburn and indigestion. If youre needing to use Tums consistently for more than 14 days, consult a healthcare provider.

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How To Take Pepto Bismol

A single dosage consists of two pills. Chew the pills or dissolve them under your tongue. Repeat this medication timing every 30 to 60 minutes if necessary.

Take no more than eight doses in 24 hours. Remember, the active ingredient of Pepto Bismol can react with sulfur to form a black material called Bismuth Sulfide.

It is an observation while using this medication. Furthermore, it can cause constipation, stopping the flow of your pooping.

Oily Or Greasy Stools

Diarrhea: Pepto Bismol For Diarrhea

If you have poop that appears oily, has a greasy consistency and is difficult to flush, it could be a signal that your body is not able to properly digest fat. The consistency changes could be caused by an infection, nutrients not being digested due to celiac disease or a problem with the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.

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Drink Plenty Of Water

Water helps break down food during digestion, allowing your body to pull out all the helpful nutrients. If youre dehydrated, your body doesnt have enough fluids to make your poop the right consistency, causing constipation. To stay hydrated, make sure you drink regularly throughout the day, especially when youre thirsty.

Constipationdefining Normal Is Not So Easy

When it comes to treating patients with constipation , Dr. Deutsch first asks a lot of questions.

I tell people that their normal may not be my normal or the next persons normal. We are all very different when it comes to bowel habits, she says. I need to know what the stool looks like, from the color to the length, and how long it takes you to go. If someone is only going once or twice a week and the stools are looking like little rabbit pellets, I need to tease that out.

To help explain, Dr. Deutsch often shows patients a bell-shaped curve from a study published in Gastroenterology. On the national average, people poop anywhere from three times a week to three times a day, she says. That is a huge range. I stress that if you dont feel good, we need to make you feel good. If you are worried that you are sitting on the toilet for an hour and passing small, hard pellets, we should see if you are getting enough fiber or physical movement every day. Or maybe we need an over-the-counter or even prescription-strength laxative.

Dr. Deutsch also doesnt shy away from sharing her own experiences. It can be TMI, but I let people know that we all deal with these problems once in a while, she says. If I dont go to the gym and I dont eat any fruits and vegetables for a week, my poop looks like something my cat would produce.

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Who Should Not Take Pepto Bismol

When taken correctly, Pepto Bismol can be highly effective for the treatment of indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, reducing inflammation, and preventing stomach spasms. That said, you do need to make sure that youre taking it correctly, or you may face some side effects.

Pepto Bismol should only be taken by individuals 12 years or older, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it completely. People with chronic conditions diarrhea and IBS should also avoid this medication, as it can only be taken for a maximum of 2 days without side effects.

That said, one of the most common side effects of taking Pepto Bismol is black stoolswhich brings me to my next point!

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Side Effects Of Pepto Bismol

How does Pepto-Bismol work chemically?

If you have a history of allergy, use Pepto-Bismol .

If youre allergic to this medicine even after more than six months of regular use, talk to your healthcare provider, who is allergic to Pepto-Bismol.

They can recommend another option that is no interaction with your digestive tract.

Possible side effects of Pepto-Bismol treating diarrhea include diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or bloating, and nausea and vomiting.

These unwanted side effects can sometimes result in dehydration and malnutrition, and they can contribute to your intestinal tract if left untreated.

In addition, these side effects in emergency care.

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How To Relieve Constipation From Pepto Bismol

Pepto Bismol can stop you from pooping because it has antidiarrheal effects. Constipation can be a side effect of Pepto Bismol.

Here is how to relieve constipation from Pepto Bismol:

  • If you are taking Pepto Bismol for diarrhea, stop it immediately after you experience constipation.
  • If you are taking it for another indication , Try to lower its dose. You can also stop it if the constipation is severe.
  • Drink Plenty of water. It prevents the hardening of your stool.
  • Try to eat a more fiber-rich diet, especially soluble fibers. Soluble fibers add bulk to your stool and retain water. It helps relieve Pepto Bismol-induced constipation.
  • Be physically active. Mild exercise such as walking helps relieve many gut-related symptoms like constipation, indigestion, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
  • Drink Prunes juice or eat prunes.
  • If the above measures fail, Try an over-the-counter laxative such as soluble fiber supplements as Psyllium , Osmotic laxative as Polyethylene Glycol , or a stimulant laxative as Dulcolax.

Does Pepto Bismol Help With Constipation

Pepto Bismol is intended to treat diarrhea, not constipation. Dont use Pepto Bismol if you have constipation. It may worsen your constipation or cause stool impaction.

The uses of Pepto Bismol include:

  • Acute diarrhea .
  • Bismuth-based therapy is used to eradicate h. pylori infection .

Pepto Bismol helps the absorption of fluids and electrolytes from the intestine to your body. Laxatives act by drawing fluids from the body to your intestine, which help to soften your stool and relieve constipation.

Pepto Bismol does the exact opposite of laxatives. It Worsens constipation rather than relieving it. Thats why it is contraindicated in constipation and it doesnt help you poop.

Stop Pepto Bismol immediately if you have constipation.

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