Replace Lost Fluids And Electrolytes
When you have viral gastroenteritis, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration. You should drink plenty of liquids. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids.
Most adults with viral gastroenteritis can replace fluids and electrolytes with liquids such as
- water
- broths
Eating saltine crackers can also help replace electrolytes.
If your child has viral gastroenteritis, you should give your child an oral rehydration solutionsuch as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyteas directed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. Talk with a doctor about giving these solutions to your infant. Infants should drink breast milk or formula as usual.
Older adults, adults with a weakened immune system, and adults with severe diarrhea or symptoms of dehydration should also drink oral rehydration solutions.
Alternative Solutions For Stomach Pain Relief
If your dog has an upset stomach, there are ways to comfort him until the diarrhea passes. Mild diarrhea in dogs is often self-limiting and medications are not needed for resolution, Wallach says. That being said, you can feed your dog a bland diet for a few days if he has soft stool or diarrhea.
Knowing that you are nearby can also help soothe your dog, so try to fit in a few tummy rubs while he rests. If your pets symptoms do not resolve or if they worsen, or if other signs of illness develop , however, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian, Wallach says.
Although Pepto Bismol may help address your dogs mild diarrhea, never administer a dose without consulting your vet first. And, if youre curious about if the same rule applies to your cat, know that Pepto Bismol should never be given to cats under any circumstances due to the risk of salicylate toxicity, Wallach says. Salicylate toxicity can cause anemia, ulceration, and liver failure in cats, making salicylates toxic at any dose.
Image: fongleon356 via Shutterstock
Our Final Thoughts On Pepto Bismol For Dogs
Pepto Bismol is safe and efficient for dogs, but can be used only for a limited timeframe. Before use, you should always consult your veterinarian to insure correct dosage and use. There are several Pepto Bismol alternatives for diarrhea management, like Vets Preferred Advanced Anti-Diarrhea product that is specifically formulated for dogs.
Also, keep in mind that this article is informational. If you want to learn more about Pepto Bismol and your dogs diarrhea episodes, please consult with your trusted veterinarian.
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Drug Interactions Of Pepto
Pepto-Bismol can interact with many of the same medications that aspirin interacts with. Bismuth subsalicylate can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. When taken with anti-gout agents like probenecid, bismuth subsalicylate can decrease anti-gout effects. Pepto-Bismol can also decrease the absorption and effectiveness of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics.
Tums can decrease the effects of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Calcium cations can also bind with antifungals, like itraconazole, and decrease their absorption and effectiveness. Certain antibiotics, antifungal agents, and iron supplements should be avoided at least two hours before or after taking calcium carbonate.
| Drug |
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.
Can You Give A Horse Pepto Bismol
Can You Give A Horse Pepto Bismol? For mild diarrhea, you can add Pepto Bismol to your horses daily ration. Give this at about five ounces at a time, but dont overdo it. Pepto can bind a horse, especially a foal, so be sure you are monitoring the horses manure output.
Can you give a horse Pepto Bismol for colic? Give the horse either Pepto Bismol, this can be purchased at the local drug store or supermarket or, better yet, Banamine, prescribed by a veterinarian.
Can you give a horse Imodium? Imodium can be used in horses. Some of the time the cause is never determined and the horse is treated symptomatically. Imodium is used at 35-70 mg every 4 hours. Most pills are only 2 mg so it can be rather expensive.
What helps diarrhea in older horses? Treating equine diarrhea
Acute, severe cases are best treated in a hospital setting with access to intravenous fluids, along with acupuncture, probiotics, fecal transplants and antibiotics if needed. In some cases, the antibiotics are the cause of severe diarrhea and the treatment needs to be done without them.
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Video Answer: How To Treat Diarrhea At Home
Pepto-Bismol Dosage For Dogs: The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds, according to Dr.
Klein. It can be offered to the dog every 6-to-8 hours, but if your dog still has diarrhea after a few doses, stop the medication and call your veterinarian.
Besides a small amount of canned pumpkin, other foods to break the fast include white rice mixed with broth, cottage cheese, skinless, boiled chicken and boiled, peeled potatoes. Choose one or two of these foods and give your dog small amounts a few times a day.
Eating a piece of bread can help.
If you think your dog’s stomach is just a bit off, feeding some bread may help.
Of course, bread is not a cure-all.
If your dog vomits more than a couple of times, has profuse diarrhea, is in pain, or is very lethargic, skip the bread and head straight to the veterinary clinic.
After 24 hours, start easing your dog back onto food by feeding him 3 – 4 small meals throughout the day.
Opt for bland, easily digestible foods such as white rice, cottage cheese, yogurt, cooked macaroni or oatmeal, or high protein foods such as eggs or chicken without the skin.
Pepto Kids: The Child
To address this issue, Pepto-Bismol began manufacturing a chewable version of their medicine that’s safe for children ages 2-11. Called Pepto Kids, it relies on calcium carbonate instead of bismuth subsalicylate, so it doesn’t come with a risk of Reye syndrome.
Pepto Kids can treat upset or sour stomach, heartburn, and indigestion. If giving it to your child, check the label for dosage information it largely depends on their weight and age. Still, it might be best to consult your pediatrician before giving any over-the-counter tummy meds to kids.
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Pharmacist Tips For Bismuth Subsalicylate
Drink plenty of clear liquids while you are taking bismuth subsalicylate . Diarrhea can cause dehydration and drinking enough liquids will help prevent this.
Keep track of how much medication you are taking so you dont go over the maximum daily dose of 4,200 mg per day.
Use the dosing cup that is provided with the liquid. Do not use kitchen or measuring spoons, since these might not be accurate when measuring your dose.
If youre taking the liquid form of bismuth subsalicylate , you can refrigerate the bottle to make the medication taste better.
Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew them.
Stop using bismuth subsalicylate and talk to your provider if your diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, you notice ringing in your ears, have trouble hearing, or your symptoms get worse after using this medication.
Prices for bismuth subsalicylate start at just $5.05 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free!
What Are The Side Effects
The side effects of Pepto Bismol are modest and dont last long. It can make the tongue hairy and black should the bismuth subsalicylate react to sulfur in your saliva, and it may also result in dark stool. If you experience tinnitus , a rare but still possible side effect or issues persist for more than two days, stop taking the drug and call a health care professional.
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How Do You Diagnose Diarrhea
For the majority of mild diarrhea cases, you wont need medical attention. These cases are self-limited and get better without medical intervention. The key to mild diarrhea is supportive therapy staying hydrated and eating a bland diet.
More serious cases of diarrhea may require medical attention. In these situations, there are a few diagnostic tests that your provider may order. These tests can include:
- Discussing a detailed family history, as well as physical and medical conditions, your travel history, and any sick contacts you may have.
- Doing a stool test on a collected stool sample to check for blood, bacterial infections, parasite and inflammatory markers.
- Doing a breath test to check for lactose or fructose intolerance, and bacterial overgrowth.
- Doing blood work to rule out medical causes of diarrhea such as a thyroid disorder, celiac sprue and pancreatic disorders.
- Doing endoscopic evaluations of your upper and lower digestive tract to rule out organic abnormalities .
Who Shouldnt Take Otc Antidiarrheal Medicines
Dont take antidiarrheal medicines if bacteria or parasites are causing your diarrhea. If you have a stomach bug, your body needs to get rid of the bacteria or parasite that is causing the diarrhea. Stopping the diarrhea in this case can actually make your condition worse. Talk to your family doctor if you think you have a bacterial or parasitic infection.
Dont give loperamide to children 2 years of age or younger unless your doctor says its okay. Check with your doctor before using loperamide for older children, as well.
You shouldnt take loperamide if you have a fever. Dont use it if youve ever had a rash or an allergic reaction after taking it. Dont take loperamide if you have bloody or black stools. These may be signs of a more serious problem, such as a bacterial infection.
Some people are allergic to aspirin or other salicylate medicines. They should not take bismuth subsalicylate. Dont give bismuth subsalicylate to children 12 years of age or younger. Dont give it to children or teenagers who may have the flu or chickenpox. This increases their risk for Reye syndrome. This is a serious illness that can lead to death.
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Does Pepto Bismol Bismol Cause Constipation
Pepto Bismol is an antidiarrheal. It can cause constipation as a side effect. However, the incidence of constipation with Pepto Bismol is lower than Loperamide .
In one study, Loperamide was eight times more likely to cause constipation as a side effect compared to Pepto Bismol.
Pepto Bismol acts by stimulating the absorption of fluids and electrolytes from your intestines.
Although this helps with diarrhea, The absorption of more fluids may cause hardening of your stool and constipation.
To avoid constipation from Pepto Bismol, Try to:
- Drink enough amounts of water or fluids. Being dehydrated increases the risk of constipation as your body absorbs the water leaving your stool to dry.
- Take the recommended dose. Pepto Bismol overdose may increase your risk of getting constipation.
- Stop taking Pepto Bismol once your diarrhea stops. Dont take Pepto Bismol for long periods more than recommended.
Pepto Bismol can cause constipation as a side effect. The risk of constipation with Pepto Bismol is generally low. The constipation risk is related to overdosing and prolonged use.
More: causes of constipation with Gastritis.
Does Pepto Bismol Help Diarrhea
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Why Trust Verywell Health
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
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What Is Scouring In Horses
Foals and young horses commonly have diarrhea, also referred to as scouring. How concerned should you be? HHH: The most common cause of scours in foals is a reaction to food. Reactions can occur when there are more nutrients in the feed than the foal is used to, or the feed source is changed too rapidly.
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When Should You Not Take Pepto Bismol
You shouldnt take Pepto Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs because it contains bergapten.
You also should not take Pepticum within two hours after taking an antacid, as both substances can react and cause serious problems in your stomach.
You shouldnt use this drug during pregnancy either without first consulting with a doctor.
There is no published research on its safety when used by expecting mothers.
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Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas
Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas? Most people would agree that having digestive problems is an inconvenience. After all, it isnt easy to hold gas in when youre in public, and the possibility of releasing a rather unpleasant smell might give you anxiety.
Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter medications available to help you solve that kind of issue, and since theyre fast-acting, you should be good in no time. Among the options youll likely find on the shelves is Pepto Bismol. If youve never tried it before and are unsure whether its worth giving a shot, keep reading.
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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. This is what leads many people to the emergency room.
Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of water and electrolytes it needs to function normally. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that are needed for various bodily processes
It’s important to treat dehydration properly. Otherwise, it can become dangerous, especially in young children.
To manage a mild bout of diarrhea, you need to replace the fluids and electrolytes you lost. Drink plenty of water, clear juices, clear broths, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink.
There are also things you should avoid when you have an episode of diarrhea. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, prune juice, sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol. These all have a laxative effect. It’s also a good idea to avoid dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant, which means you can’t digest the main sugar in milk well.
Young children and babies with diarrhea need pediatric rehydration drinks. These are marketed under certain brand names, like:
- Pedialyte
- Enfalyte
- Gastrolyte
Breastfed babies should continue to breastfeed. Children should continue eating their regular diet. Also, they should drink rehydrating fluids. This is better than putting them on a restrictive diet.
Some people want to avoid the artificial colorings or flavorings in some rehydration drinks. You can make a homemade rehydration drink with only salt, sugar, and water.
Who Can And Cant Take Pepto
Pepto-Bismol can be taken by most adults and young people from the age of 16 years.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pepto-Bismol is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to Pepto-Bismol, aspirin or any other medicines in the past
- an allergy to amaranth or aspartame
- a problem with blood clotting
- gout
- a rare inherited illness called phenylketonuria the chewable tablets contain aspartame
Pepto-Bismol liquid and tablets both contain a colouring called amaranth. Some people can have an allergic reaction to amaranth.
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What Does Pepto Bismol Do
Does Pepto Bismol stop Diarrhea? From the explanation above, you know that Pepto Bismol is able to help to overcome diarrhea.
In specific, it helps you by increasing the amount of fluid in your body. This is because you release plenty of fluid from your upset stomach.
At the same time, the ingredients help your metabolism to reduce inflammation and intestine overactivity.
It helps you to reduce inflammation by blocking your metabolism to release a chemical known as prostaglandin. As explained above that diarrhea is caused by bacteria.
Pepto Bismol Dosage For Dogs
Pepto Bismol is available in three different forms: liquid, chewable tablets, and caplets.
The liquid form comes in two potencies regular and ultra. Pepto Bismol Ultra contains twice the amount of active ingredient and must never be used in dogs. The caplet form should also be avoided.
Therefore, stick to the regular Pepto Bismol liquid and chewable tablets when using Pepto Bismol for dogs. And here are their right dosages:
- Liquid Pepto Bismol: 1 teaspoon or 5 ml per 10 pounds of body weight every 6 to 8 hours but no more than two to three doses or for longer than 24 hours. Following this guideline, a 20-pound dog would need two teaspoons and a 30-pound dog three teaspoons, thus making dosing fairly simple.
- Pepto Bismol tablets: the recommended dose is 8.5 mg per 1 pound of body weight. Meaning, a 10-pound dog needs 85 mg, which corresponds to 1/3 of the tablet. Calculating the correct tablet dose and cutting up the tablet into the right pieces can be tricky.
Adhering to the recommended dosage is critical as giving your dog too much Pepto Bismol can result in an overdose. A dog overdosed on bismuth subsalicylate will show the following signs and symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Generalized weakness
- Tremors and seizures
A Pepto Bismol dog overdose is considered a potentially life-threatening situation and requires urgent veterinary attention.
With the importance of the right Pepto Bismol dosage covered, it is time we explain how to give this medication to your dog.
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How Can I Relieve Discomfort In The Rectal Area Caused By Diarrhea
Diarrhea often means frequent trips to the bathroom. This can cause discomforts like:
- Itching.
- Burning.
- Pain during bowel movements.
If youre experiencing any of these discomforts, there are a few things you can do to help, including:
- Sitting in a few inches of lukewarm water in a bathtub.
- Patting your rectal area dry with a clean soft towel after getting out of the tub or shower. Dont rub the area dry because that will only make the irritation worse.
- Applying petroleum jelly or a hemorrhoid cream to your anus.