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Is Pepto Good For Diarrhea

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Diarrhea And Your Body

How to Take Pepto Bismol | Pepto Bismol

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur three or more times in one day. Itâs a pretty common condition that may be caused by bacteria in your gut. When you have diarrhea, your body expels a lot of fluids and can easily get dehydrated. While diarrhea typically goes away on its own, it can be pretty uncomfortableâ¯â and inconvenient. Thereâs no need to suffer or spend your day hovering around the bathroom. Thatâs why many people turn to an anti-diarrhea medicine.

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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Differences Imodium Vs Pepto Bismol

When comparing Imodium vs Pepto Bismol anti diarrhea meds, here are some differences. The difference is that the ingredients which make Imodium have a slower effect than Pepto Bismol.

If you have to choose between Pepto Bismol and Imodium, you may choose Pepto Bismol. This is because of the fast and better effects.

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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.

Isnt It Better To Let Diarrhea Run Its Course

Pepto Bismol Liquid Travel Size for Heartburn Diarrhea Original 3.4oz ...

Many people think diarrhea is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of something, so its better to let it flush any bacteria or toxins out of the body. But diarrhea is not a defence mechanism. Its a symptom of disruption to the finely tuned machine that is our digestive system. Its your immune system that fights infection, so theres no need to leave diarrhea to run its course. In fact, when left to run its course, diarrhea can cause you to lose essential fluids and salts, leaving you feeling weak and depleted. Early treatment limits this loss so you can start to feel better and your system can recover more quickly.

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You Can Avoid The Stomach Bug

You canât always avoid contact with someone who has the stomach bugâespecially if you live with that person. But that doesnât mean youâre doomed to catch the stomach bug. First off, practice proper handhygieneâmeaning, wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and after handling, preparing, or eating food. Give an extra clean to anything the sick person comes into contact with, like counter tops, changing tables, bed sheets, pillowcases, and clothes.

Sometimes you may not know exactly where you caught the stomach bug. Handling food is one way to spread the symptomsâso if you know the stomach bug is going around your community, consider skipping the all-you-can-eat buffet. When traveling, stick to bottled water and avoid raw and peeled fruit and vegetables.

The stomach bug is no fun. Remember that Pepto Diarrhea has your back. Take Pepto Diarrhea at the first sign of diarrhea from the stomach bug so you can get to the source with its dual action formula and more importantlyâget relief from your diarrhea symptoms.

Otc Medications Safe For Treating Gi And Stomach Problems In Dogs

Pepto-Bismol is safe to offer most dogs, but AKCs Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein says he rarely recommends it because the salicylates in the medication could cause gastric bleeding, and the bismuth in the medication can turn the stool black, which may mask any resulting gastric bleeding. If it must be given, offer no more than one or two doses after consulting with your veterinarian, he says. Your veterinarian may instead recommend the bismuth subsalicylate product formulated for dogs, called Corrective Suspension. Dogs with bleeding disorders and dogs who are pregnant or nursing should not take any form of bismuth subsalicylate, nor should dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Cats should never be given bismuth subsalicylate, as it is toxic to them.

  • 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. Also, if youve never given Pepto-Bismol to your dog before, check with your veterinarian to confirm the dosage.
  • How to administer Pepto-Bismol to Dogs: Use an empty plastic syringe to give your dog the medication. Open his mouth, place the empty syringe toward the back of the tongue and push the plunger, then hold his muzzle for a second to ensure he swallows it.

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The Dangers Of Salicylates

Regular Pepto-Bismol is a concern for children because its main ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, a derivative of aspirin .

Medications containing ASA are associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rapidly progressing brain disorder that isn’t fully understood. The condition typically develops in people recovering from a viral infection. Most of the cases seen in children involved the use of aspirin to treat common illnesses such as influenza and chickenpox.

Symptoms can start with lethargy, nausea, and hyperventilation but quickly progress to vomiting, seizures, and even coma. Although Reye’s syndrome is uncommon, it is a serious condition. If it’s not diagnosed and treated effectively, death can occur within a few days.

Today, the Food and Drug Administration advises against the use of bismuth subsalicylate in children under 12 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. The warning extends to any adult formulation of bismuth subsalicylate, including oral suspensions, chewable tablets, and caplets.

In addition to avoiding regular Pepto-Bismol, parents should be aware that Kaopectate and any product containing oil of wintergreen also contains salicylates.

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or the flu should avoid Kaopectate due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Meanwhile, oil of wintergreen should be avoided in all children and teens as its central component is not meant for ingestion, even in diluted preparations.

When Should You Not Take Pepto Bismol

Pepto-bismol REVIEW

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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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 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 .

When To Seek Medical Help

Diarrhea should never be ignored. If you have tried the above-listed home remedies and still have loose stools, call your doctor or speak with your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that may help.

On the other hand, you should see a doctor immediately if you or your child experience persistent or severe diarrhea and/or develop signs of dehydration, as follows:

  • Diarrhea 3 days or more

  • Severe abdominal pain

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What Is The Best Medicine For Traveler’s Diarrhea

When healthcare providers do prescribe medication for travelers diarrhea, they prescribe two types.

Antidiarrheals

Antidiarrheal medications treat your diarrhea, but not the infection itself. They can help relieve your discomfort, but they can also prolong the illness. They work by slowing down your motility the muscle contractions that move your bowels giving your intestines more time to absorb more water from your poop. But this also means that the infectious organisms stay in your bowels longer.

Commonly prescribed antidiarrheals include:

Antibiotics

Your provider gives antibiotics to treat the infection in certain cases. Parasite infections may require antibiotics. More severe bacterial infections may also be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms are considered severe if you have a fever, if you have more than three loose stools a day or if you have blood or mucus in your stools. People with compromised immune systems may also be given antibiotics.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

Is Travelers Diarrhea Contagious

Pepto Bismol Diarrhea Liquid, Anti Diarrhea Medicine for Fast and ...

The infection can spread from you to another person if they come into contact with your germs. The germs would have to travel from your gastrointestinal tract to the other persons. Germs can spread through tiny particles of vomit or poop that linger on surfaces or transfer to food. Another person can become infected by ingesting that food, or by touching those surfaces and then touching their mouth.

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What Is Travelers Diarrhea

Travelers diarrhea affects travelers and others who consume contaminated food or water. Its a brief but unpleasant gastrointestinal infection that typically causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. Most of the time, it’s caused by bacteria, but sometimes viruses or parasites are to blame. International travelers are most at risk when visiting countries that have less rigorous sanitation practices than their own.

Pepto Diarrhea Can Treat Diarrhea At The Source

The stomach bug will passâbut thereâs no need to suffer through it or simply control the symptoms. Aside from staying hydrated, the best thing you can do for the stomach bug is treat the diarrhea symptoms. Pepto Diarrheahas you covered. Its dual action coats your stomach and kills the common bacterial causes of diarrhea. You can count on fast, calming, and effective diarrhearelief with Pepto Diarrhea. Even better? In addition to the traditional liquid form, Pepto Diarrhea also comes in liquicaps and caplets for on-the-go-relief. As always checking with your healthcare provider is a great step to confirm whatâs causing your symptoms in the first place.

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You Can Eat If Youre Hungry

The cherry flavor from Pepto Diarrhea Liquid may be the most flavorful thing you taste when dealing with diarrhea from the stomach bug. Experts recommend eating soft, bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, brown rice, broths, plain applesauce, whole grain bread, and potatoes. Donât think mouthwatering, crispy, salty French fries, though. You should also avoid fatty foods, including fried and fast food, as well as spicy and sugary foodâso no milkshake for dessert, either. Stick to frequent sips of liquid and small amounts of food at a time.

The Pink Stuff Treats Upset Stomach And Diarrhea But The Original Pepto

Is Pepto Bismol Safe for Kids? | Pepto Kids
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Kids and stomach aches go hand-in-hand. Sometimes you can pinpoint the cause and other times you’re left scratching your head. Either way, it’s easy to reach for that bottle of Pepto-Bismol in your medicine cabinet. The “pink stuff” effectively treats many digestive problemsbut you probably want to think twice before using it on kids.

Most Pepto-Bismol products are only safe for those 12 years and older. That’s because they contain ingredients that may be harmful to young bodies, according to the Food and Drug Administration . Children ages 2-11 must use a specifically formulated option called Pepto Kids. Here’s everything parents need to know.

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Does Pepto Bismol Help Diarrhea

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When To Call A Doctor

If diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting are severe or accompanied by any of the following, see a doctor immediately:

  • High fever
  • Fever lasts more than 24 hours in children under age 2
  • Fever lasts more than 72 hours in children over age 2
  • Reduced urination
  • Lightheadedness

Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours should always be considered serious and in need of urgent care.

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Is Pepto Bismol Safe For Everyone

Pepto Bismol is not suitable for people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine. Pepto Bismol must not be used if a person has had an adverse reaction to aspirin, amaranth, or aspartame before.

Pepto Bismol must not be taken by people who suffer from gout, blood clotting, diabetes, and phenylketonuria.

Pepto Bismol needs to be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers because of its uncertain safety.

The salicylates in Pepto Bismol can interact with other medicines. If you take blood thinners, tetracycline antibiotics, or medicine for either gout or diabetes then, do not take Pepto Bismol.

Do not take painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin together with Pepto Bismol.

Be sure to check in with your doctor if you experience

  • bloody stool
  • a stomach ulcer
  • fever

Avoid medicines that contain the compound Salicylate. Some of them include aspirin, salsalate, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, Ecotrin, Tricosal, and Trilisate.

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Why Is Pepto Bismol Bad For You

Pepto Bismol Liquid for Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach ...

Pepto Bismol is considered to be quite safe for short-term use by adults and children who are age 12 or over. When used properly, the only side effect may be a temporary and harmless blackening of the tongue or of the stool. 1 In some cases, the medication may work too well, with constipation as a result.

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How To Use Pepto Diarrhea Control Oral

See also Warning section.

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication by mouth, usually after each loose stool, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and weight. Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams in 24 hours if self-treating, or 16 milligrams in 24 hours if under a doctor’s direction.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, take this medication on an empty stomach. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before opening the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.

If you are taking this medication under your doctor’s direction for ongoing diarrhea, tell your doctor if your diarrhea continues after 10 days of treatment.

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