Is Pepto Bismol Good For Diarrhea

How To Know When Diarrhea Is A Medical Emergency

When in doubt, call your vet or an emergency hospital for advice.

How Is Travelers Diarrhea Diagnosed

Most of the time, your healthcare provider will recognize travelers diarrhea based on your symptoms and travel history. However, in some cases, they may want to test a sample of your poop to find out what type of infection you have. This can help them determine the best medication to prescribe, especially if they suspect a parasite. Sometimes it might take more than one stool sample.

Is Pepto Bismol Toxic To Dogs

Because Pepto Bismol® and Kaopectate® contain an aspirin-like compound, which can be toxic to dogs, you should avoid giving them to your dog for their diarrhea. These compounds can also interact with certain medications and increase the level of aspirin in the blood. This is especially true if your dog is on non-steroidal anti-inflammatories . Giving Pepto Bismol® or Kaopectate®, especially more than once or twice, can increase the chances of toxicity or negative side effects.

• Kidney failure
• Neurological changes

Many of the digestive signs seen with toxic doses of Pepto Bismol® are usually why Pepto Bismol® is used initially. This can make it confusing to tell if your dog is having a reaction or worsening digestive issues.

Before reaching for Pepto Bismol®, contact your veterinarian to avoid these potential risks. Its best to let them decide if its the right choice for your dog and to also help you with dosing. Pepto Bismol® should also never be given to your cat, as they are even more sensitive to salicylates than dogs.

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Can I Get Travelers Diarrhea Twice

Yes. Having traveler’s diarrhea once or even twice doesnt appear to make you immune to infection. You can get the same infection twice in one trip. You can also get two different infections on the same trip, or even at the same time. You can get the same infection again when traveling to a different place. And you can get the same infection or a different one when traveling again to the same place.

Conditions Treated By Pepto

Pepto-Bismol is FDA approved to treat heartburn, a digestive problem that can also be a symptom of acid reflux and GERD . Pepto-Bismol can treat acid indigestion, which includes symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. In addition, Pepto-Bismol can treat travelers diarrhea and occasional diarrhea, as well as peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori. When used for H. pylori, bismuth subsalicylate is taken with other antibiotics to treat the infection.

Tums is labeled to treat heartburn and indigestion. It helps neutralize and decrease the amount of acid in the stomach to relieve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort. Calcium carbonate is sometimes combined with simethicone to relieve symptoms of gas and flatulence associated with indigestion.

Because Pepto-Bismol can sometimes contain calcium carbonatethe same ingredient in Tumsits important to check the package labeling and ask your healthcare provider to make sure youre taking the right product.

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Other Solutions For Tummy Troubles

Just because your child can’t have original Pepto-Bismol doesn’t mean they should suffer from stomach issues in silence. Parents can give the child-safe version, Pepto Kids, to anyone over 2 years old . Also consider these natural remedies for gastrointestinal distress:

• Offer kids plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Frequent and small doses can help keep the liquids down.
• Encourage sick children to get plenty of rest. Wake them every few hours to replenish their fluids.
• Avoid foods with high fat and sugar contents, since these could trigger their digestive issues.
• Consider trying the BRAT diet once vomiting subsides. These bland foods are easy on an upset stomach, but they lack necessary nutrition, so transition your child back to normal eating as soon as possible.

Most tummy issues go away on their own. But you should call the doctor if you notice signs of dehydration, high fever, severe gastrointestinal issues , bloody stool or vomit, or other worrisome symptoms.

How Effective Are Imodium A

If youre experiencing diarrhea, youre likely looking for fast relief. But when comparing Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol, does one work better than the other?

One study published in 1990 suggests that loperamide works better than bismuth subsalicylate for treating acute diarrhea. Loperamide was able to provide faster relief compared to bismuth subsalicylate. However, there hasnt been much research directly comparing them since.

So, you may want to consider your specific symptoms when making your decision. For example, Pepto-Bismol may be helpful if you also have an upset stomach.

And if you have other health conditions, or if youre taking other medications, youll want to speak with your healthcare provider first. They can help you find the safest option for you.

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How To Stop Diarrhea And Get Rid Of The Bacteria Causing It

Diarrhea is an unpleasant condition that has a handful of causes. Maybe you picked up a virus over the weekend. Or, you might have eaten something at Aunt Karenâs potluck that made your stomach upset. At the end of the day, it doesnât really matter how you got diarrhea. What does matter is knowing how to get rid of diarrhea and stop its symptoms.

What Are The Main Differences Between Pepto

Pepto-Bismol is the brand name for bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth has antimicrobial effects against certain diarrhea-causing bacteria while subsalicylate has antisecretory effects against fluid and electrolyte loss. Bismuth subsalicylate also has anti-inflammatory actions on the stomach and intestinal lining. For these reasons, Pepto-Bismol can be used as an antacid or antidiarrheal agent.

Pepto-Bismol is notably found as an oral liquid. However, it also comes in regular tablets and chewable tablets. Its important to note that, while most forms of Pepto-Bismol contain bismuth subsalicylate, Childrens Pepto-Bismol often contains calcium carbonate.

Tums is a brand name for calcium carbonate. Its considered a potent antacid that directly neutralizes stomach acid. Calcium carbonate reacts with stomach acid to form calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water. Because of excess carbon dioxide production in the stomach, belching and gas are common side effects of Tums.

Unlike Pepto-Bismol, Tums is mainly found as a chewable tablet in regular-strength and extra-strength forms. Tums is typically used by those older than 12 years old, but childrens versions of Tums are also available. Some versions of Childrens Tums contains simethicone to help relieve gas.

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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.

How Do Doctors Treat Food Poisoning

To treat food poisoning caused by bacteria or parasites, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or medicines that target parasites, in addition to rehydration solutions.

In some cases, doctors may recommend probiotics. Probiotics are live microbes, most often bacteria, that may be similar to microbes you normally have in your digestive tract. Studies suggest that some probiotics may help shorten a bout of diarrhea. Researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat food poisoning. For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines or practices. This is especially important when children, older adults, or those with weak immune systems have diarrhea.

Doctors may need to treat people with life-threatening symptoms and complicationssuch as severe dehydration, hemolytic uremic syndrome, or paralysisin a hospital.

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What Is Pepto Bismol

Pepto-Bismol is the bubblegum colored liquid used around the world used to treat nausea, indigestion and gas. In the early 1900s, hygiene and sanitation werent as common as today. There were a lot of cases of gastrointestinal illness. One disease, called cholera, caused severe diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes death, often in children. Then a doctor created a formula from pepsin, zinc salts, salol and oil of wintergreen. He added a pink colorant to encourage children to take it. And he called it Mixture Cholera Infantum.

Pepsin is a natural substance that aids digestion but its no longer in the formula. Bismuth is now one of the active ingredients that coats the stomach. The other is subsalicylate derived from aspirin . Today its also made with Red Dye #22 and #28. The FDA approved both dyes for use in drugs.

How Will Heartburn Medications Affect My Pet

All of these medications can affect how other medications are absorbed by your pets body, so definitely ask your veterinarian if theres any drug interactions you should be concerned about.

Diarrhea and a lower appetite than usual are possible side effects for cats and dogs with Pepcid or Prilosec, but these medications are generally well tolerated. If you notice excessive sleepiness or vomiting after starting your pet on any antacid medication, contact your vet right away.

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Potential Side Effects Of Giving Your Dog Pepto Bismol

There are some concerns and potential risks involved when it comes to giving dog a dose of Pepto Bismol, and that is why it is best to leave the ultimate decision up to your veterinarian. Pepto Bismol can cause dogs stools to turn a greenish-black color and, as a result, it can be difficult to discern if your dog is experiencing melena , which presents as black, tarry stools and can be indicative of a serious medical issue, Wallach says.

Pepto Bismol tablets can also appear radio-opaque on X-rays, Wallach says. This means that if your dog’s gastrointestinal signs and abdominal radiographs are performed by your veterinarian, the tablets can be mistaken for a metallic foreign body. This could lead to unnecessary surgery or other medical procedures, putting your dogs health at greater risk than it needs to be.

How Long Should I Wait To Feed My Cat After Vomiting

If your cat is sick once or twice but appears otherwise well, remove their food for a few hours, then feed small amounts of a highly digestible food such as chicken, or a prescription diet from your vet. Allow them constant access to a small amount of water. After 24 hours go back to your usual routine.

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Risk Of Aspirin Toxicity In Dogs

Aspirin can be toxic to dogs. Aspirin is a blood thinner so it can lead to problems with blood clotting. It can cause or worsen GI bleeding or ulcers, leading to increased respiratory rate, dehydration, seizures and coma. Aspirin can also cause liver or kidney damage, and it may increase cancer risk.

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Contains Artificial Sweeteners And Dyes

You never know where artificial sweeteners are hiding. And that includes many medications and cough syrups. Some forms of Pepto Bismol contain sucralose. But other generic brands may contain xylitol and that is deadly to dogs. Dont take a chance.

Ever wonder about that bright pink color in Pepto Bismol? It comes from Red Dyes #22 and #28. Even though the FDA approves these dyes for use in drugs and cosmetics, they may not be safe for your dog. In a 2000 paper, the National Institutes of Health voiced concerns about long term effects of Red Dye #28 , stating that the FDA didnt include studies of acute or chronic phototoxicity . The NIH also says #28 may be cytotoxic, mutagenic, and inhibit certain mitochondrial functions.

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How Can I Treat Food Poisoning

In most cases, people with food poisoning get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat food poisoning by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms.

When you have food poisoning, you may vomit after you eat or lose your appetite for a short time. When your appetite returns, you can most often go back to eating your normal diet, even if you still have diarrhea. Find tips on what to eat when you have food poisoning.

If your child has symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting or diarrhea, dont hesitate to call a doctor for advice.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Bismuth subsalicylate is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, reduces inflammation within the intestine, and may kill the organisms that can cause diarrhea.

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What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication

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

• insulin
• tetracycline antibiotics
• warfarin

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

Heres How To Manage Your Diarrhea:

Try an over the counter treatment. There are a number of over the counter treatments available for diarrhea relief. They include loperamide , attapulgite , and bismuth subsalicylate . For relief of diarrhea as well as the symptoms of gas, cramps and bloating, loperamide plus simethicone is available. Loperamide helps with the diarrhea, while simethicone helps with the gas.

How do these medications work? Normally, water is reabsorbed as food passes through your bowels. With diarrhea, the bowels are moving too quickly for enough water to be reabsorbed, so the liquid stays in the stools, making them loose and watery. Each diarrhea medication works on this process in a slightly different way. Loperamide works by bringing the movement of the bowels back to a more normal level. This is important because diarrhea often reduces your ability to reabsorb water and absorb nutrients. Attapulgite absorbs the extra liquids in the bowel, which helps make stools more solid. It can be used for up to 2 days. Bismuth works by decreasing inflammation, killing certain bacteria that can cause diarrhea, and blocking the body from releasing more fluid into the bowels.

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What Form Does This Medication Come In

Chewable Tablets Each peppermint-flavoured chewable tablet contains bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, peppermint flavour, PVP, Red 27 Lake, sodium saccharin, and talc.

Caplets Each caplet contains bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, PVP, Red 27 Lake, silica, and sodium carboxymethyl starch.

Liquid

Original Each mL contains bismuth subsalicylate 17.6 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, D& C Red No. 22, D& C Red No. 28, flavour, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, sodium saccharin, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, and water.

Cherry-Flavoured Each mL contains bismuth subsalicylate 17.6 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, D& C Red No. 22, D& C Red No. 28, flavour, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, sodium saccharin, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, sucralose, and water.

Liquid Extra Strength

Original Each mL contains bismuth subsalicylate 35.2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, D& C Red No. 22, D& C Red No. 28, flavour, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, sodium saccharin, salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, sorbic acid, and water.

What Can You Do To Find Diarrhea Relief

The first step is to decide whether you need to see a doctor or not.

You should see a doctor if:

• you have a fever over 38.5°C or 101.3°F
• you have severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or black stools
• your stools are soft and yellow
• your stools are grey, white, or greasy
• youre taking an antibiotic or another new medication
• you cant keep fluids down because of vomiting
• youre having more than 6 loose stools each day
• you are dehydrated
• your diarrhea has lasted more than 48 hours

Children should be brought to a doctor if they have any of the symptoms above, or if they have been vomiting for more than 4 hours or are under 6 months of age.

Otherwise, you can treat your own diarrhea at home.

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