Are There Any Side Effects To Taking Pepto Bismol
1. Salicylate in pepto-bismol. Med Lett Drugs Ther 22 : 63 2. Supino-Viterbo V, Sicard C, Risvegliato M, Rancurel G, Buge A Toxic encephalopathy due to ingestion of bismuth salts: clinical and EEG studies of 45 patients.
The reason you want to consult a vet on this one is because it can be tricky to diagnose a cat as having an upset stomach. If they are having diarrhea its often to late to give them something like Pepto Bismol, because likely they have solved the problem via the diarrhea, and any extra care will just be too much.
For occasional gas caused by upset stomach, heartburn, nausea or indigestion due to overindulgence in food or drink, give Pepto Bismol a try. Pepto Bismol is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Upset Stomach Brand and helps relieve your symptoms fast.*
How Does Pepto Bismol Help Treat Diarrhea
It isnt totally clear how this drug relieves diarrhea and related symptoms. But it appears to have several effects in the digestive system.
Firstly, its thought to increase electrolyte transportation and water absorption in the intestines. Both of these actions make it harder for diarrhea to develop.
Inside the body, salicylate is transformed into salicylic acid. This is the same active ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid prevents the formation of a prostaglandin, a hormone-like compound. Prostaglandins are associated with increased intestinal inflammation and movement.
Secondly, it also appears to help neutralize stomach acid associated with heartburn, nausea, and indigestion.
Finally, bismuth subsalicylate has mild antimicrobial properties, which may help target the bacteria known to cause diarrhea.
What Helps With Diarrhea
Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium are generally safe for treating diarrhea, Dr. Deutsch says. The only time you dont want to take them is if you have a GI infection, she adds. And people should also know that Pepto-Bismol can make your stool turn black, which makes some worry that they are bleeding. But this is normal. Whats concerning is blood.
If you can, consider riding out the diarrhea before using an over-the-counter medication, as too much medication can then lead to constipation, Dr. Deutsch points out. Or if you do take a medication, you may just want to take one pill or one dose first, and give it a little time to work, she says.
Diet is also key when dealing with diarrhea. If its a vicious stomach bug, we recommend the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. You want bland things that will help firm up the stool, Dr. Deutsch says.
To avoid diarrhea in general, Dr. Deutsch recommends foods with insoluble fiber, which acts like a sponge and draws water out of your stool. Look for foods with whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and things like beans, nuts, cauliflower, and potatoes.
If you need a supplement, Benefiber works well because it absorbs water from the intestines to form softer, bulkier stool, Dr. Deutsch says.
Don’t Miss: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea
Who Should Not Take This Medication
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to other salicylate products
- have a bleeding problem
- have a stomach or intestinal ulcer
- have bloody or black stools
Do not give this medication to children or adolescents with flu-like symptoms or chickenpox.
Can Everyone Take Pepto Bismol
For whatever problem you are taking Pepto Bismol for, it is imperative to know that it is not suitable for certain groups of individuals, including:
Pregnant Women
The growing fetus could be harmed by Pepto Bismol. You should consult your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol anytime during pregnancy. However, it should be completely avoided by pregnant females after 20th week of pregnancy. You should also alert your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol if you are planning pregnancy or you are breastfeeding. The medicine should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Children
Since a salicylate family ingredient is an active component of Pepto Bismol, it should be avoided in children and teenagers if they are suffering from flu virus or chicken pox. Moreover, a child who has got chicken pox vaccine within the last 6 months should not be given Pepto Bismol. Besides, the component related to salicylate family present in Pepto Bismol can cause a serious medical illness referred to as Reyes syndrome in kids.
When to Avoid Pepto Bismol
Although the answer to “Does Pepto Bismol make you poop?” is probably negative, you can still use it to treat various other conditions. However, do remember that do not take Pepto Bismol if:
You May Like: Laxatives For Weight Loss Pro Ana
When To Call A Healthcare Provider
You should contact your healthcare provider immediately and stop taking Pepto Bismol if you experience:
- Ringing in the ears
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than two days
- Severe vomiting
- High fever
- Any signs of an allergic reaction
If you think you have taken an overdose or are experiencing any severe symptoms, seek immediate attention by calling an ambulance.
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 you’re allergic to aspirin. Bismuth subsalicylate is related to aspirin, so you could develop an allergic reaction.
Read Also: Can Bananas Cause Bloating
Things You Should Never Do When Youre Constipated
Theyll only make your clogged pipes worse.
We all have those days when it’s so tough to have a bowel movement that even the throes of childbirth look like a cakewalk. In fact, it happens more often than you think: According to the Women’s Health Foundation, more than 4 million Americans suffer from frequent constipation. And as luck would have it, women are three times more likely to get blocked up than men. Some doctors speculate it’s because our colons are slightly longer, adding more twists and turnsand potential roadblocksto our digestive tracts.
But while the bloating and abdominal pain associated with a gridlocked gut may be common, the symptoms aren’t something you should simply flush down the drain. “Very severe constipation is not only very uncomfortable, but it can also lead to blockage of your colon , which then may require more invasive treatment than laxatives alone,” says Lee Ann Chen, M.D., a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. Translation: The last thing you want to do when there’s a kink in your pipes is partake in anything that might plug you up even more. To help move things along when you just can’t go, make it a point to avoid these poop-blocking behaviors:
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 .
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Gas and bloating.
- Indigestion.
- 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.
Also Check: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea
When To Give Pepto Bismol To A Cat With An Upset Stomach
The reason you want to consult a vet on this one is because it can be tricky to diagnose a cat as having an upset stomach. If they are having diarrhea its often to late to give them something like Pepto Bismol, because likely they have solved the problem via the diarrhea, and any extra care will just be too much.
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!
Also Check: Does Pickle Juice Help Heartburn
Does Pepto Bismol Make You Poop
When you are constipated, it implies that you have difficult bowel movement or the frequency of your bowel movement is less than normal. Constipation is a common problem and is usually not considered serious. However, constipation can make you feel uncomfortable at times. The drug Pepto Bismol has an effect on your digestive system. Hence, pops up the question Does Pepto Bismol make you poop? This article discusses an answer to this question.
Does Metformin Cause Constipation Gastroenterologist Explains
Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.
Metformin can cause constipation in about 1% of patients . However, it is more common for metformin to cause diarrhea than constipation. Think of other causes of constipation, such as diabetes itself.
In this article, you will learn about the link between metformin and constipation. Constipation during metformin treatment is not always due to the medication. Other co-existent conditions can lead to such problems.
Also Check: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea
Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bleeding problems: Bismuth subsalicylate should not be used without a doctor’s recommendation if you have ulcers, bleeding disorders or bloody or black stools.
Diabetes: Salicylate medications can cause decreased blood glucose control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diarrhea: If you have mucus in your diarrhea or if you also have a fever, contact your doctor before using this medication. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so ensure you are drinking enough fluids . If you experience symptoms of dehydration , contact your doctor.
If you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or your symptoms get worse, contact your doctor.
Gout: Salicylate medications can make symptoms of gout worse or cause an attack of gout. If you have gout, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
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.
Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean If I Have Lactoferrin In My Stool
Is Gatorade Good For Diarrhea
When you may have diarrhea, your physique loses fluid and you may change into dehydrated. Attempt to keep away from non-clear liquids reminiscent of milk, juices, and sodas, as a result of these can really make the diarrhea worse. Youll be able to substitute electrolytes by ingesting sports activities drinks, reminiscent of Gatorade or PowerAde, or Pedialyte.
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.
You May Like: Diarrhea From Lettuce
Does Pepto Bismol Make You Poop Black
A small quantity of a substance referred to as sulfur is current each in saliva and within the gastrointestinal tract. Sulfur interacts with bismuth, the energetic ingredient that is utilized in Pepto-Bismol. The results a brand new substance referred to as bismuth sulfide, which is what causes the stool to show black.
Is Pepto Bismol Safe For Kids
Regular Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, containing bismuth subsalicylate, are approved for kids 12 and older. Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate contain aspirin-like ingredients and should not be used in children with chicken pox or flu-like symptoms because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Don’t Miss: Can Undereating Cause Diarrhea
Does Metformin Cause Constipation
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.
Does Pepto Bismol Really Work
When confronted with diarrhea, Pepto Diarrhea will get to the supply of your discomfort. Whereas different diarrhea merchandise solely deal with signs and do not goal the micro organism culprits, Pepto Diarrheas dual-action formulation coats your abdomen and kills some micro organism that may trigger diarrhea for fast aid.
Don’t Miss: What Does Diarrhea Mean While Pregnant
What Can You Eat To Stop Diarrhea Fast
A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.
Alternatives For Temporary Problems
If your dog is experiencing stomach problems that are temporary and not long-lasting, there are a few things you can do at home before administering medications. As long as your dog is drinking water, you can have your dog fast for 12 to 24 hours to give his stomach time to heal and feel better. Many dogs who have an upset tummy will not have much of an appetite, so choosing not to feed him a meal or even a few meals will not hurt him as long as he is still drinking and urinating. When your dog is ready to eat again, you can offer him a bland diet of boiled rice and boiled chicken. These are easy to prepare meals that will help settle your dog’s stomach once he begins to eat again. You can offer bland diet meals for a few days and slowly introduce your dog’s regular food back into his diet by adding a little bit of his dog food into the bland diet and increase it over a few days.
Don’t Miss: Can Bananas Cause Gas And Bloating
How Should I Use This Medication
Caplets: The usual recommended dose for adults is 525 mg every 30 minutes as needed, up to a maximum of 16 caplets in 24 hours. For children 10 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 262 mg every 30 minutes as needed, up to a maximum of 8 caplets in 24 hours. Children 2 to 9 years of age should use the liquid form of this medication.
Liquid: The usual dose for adults is 2 tablespoons . For children 10 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 tablespoon . For children 5 to 9 years of age, the usual dose is 1½ teaspoons . For children 2 to 4 years of age, the recommended dose is 1 teaspoon . The recommended dose can be given every 30 minutes to a maximum of 8 doses in 24 hours for the regular-strength liquid, and 4 doses in 24 hours for the extra-strength liquid.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before use. To measure the dose correctly, use a medication measuring cup or oral syringe. Household teaspoons and tablespoons do not provide accurate dosing.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.