Pepto Bismol

The active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, has antidiarrheal and antacid properties. It works in a few different ways, including slowing down movement in your stomach and intestines, decreasing gut secretions, and increasing the reabsorption of fluids and electrolytes. Pepto-Bismol also blocks toxin production from bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. Coli) to treat traveler’s diarrhea and inhibits the chemical release of prostaglandins that trigger inflammation.

Pepto-Bismol is available in a variety of forms including caplets, chewable tablets, and liquid solution, all of which are taken orally. The caplet is swallowed whole with water, the chewable tablet is chewed and dissolved on the tongue before swallowing, and the liquid solution can be swallowed whole with or without the assistance of water. However, drinking water is recommended to prevent dehydration, especially if being used to treat diarrhea. Inform your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate. Follow all directions and recommendations given by your healthcare professional or pharmacist and read all sources provided, including prescribing information, FDA-Approved Product Labelling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before use. Ask for further clarification if needed.

Common side effects to be aware of when considering taking Pepto-Bismol products include:

• Blackening of the tongue
• Black stool
• Constipation
• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness/light-headedness

More serious side effects to be aware of include:

• Salicylate toxicity with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, ringing in the ears, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Allergic reaction
• Reye’s Syndrome in children

These are not all the possible side effects of Pepto-Bismol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Pepto-Bismol, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history. Avoid taking Pepto-Bismol products if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, salicylic acid, or any of the other inactive ingredients in Pepto-Bismol such as D&C red 22 or 28. Moreover, you may not be able to take Pepto-Bismol if you or a member of your family has diabetes, gout, or phenylketonuria. Pepto-Bismol products should not be taken for more than two consecutive days.

In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center, even if signs or symptoms are unnoticeable. (1-800-222-1222).

Avoid taking Pepto-Bismol if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have the flu, have chickenpox or received the vaccine for chickenpox within the past 6 weeks, are allergic to aspirin, or are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Inform your healthcare professional of your medical history to determine whether you should take Pepto-Bismol products.

Pepto-Bismol provides fast relief and can take effect within 30-60 minutes. However, another dose can be taken after 30-60 minutes if needed.

When Pepto-Bismol is taken with other medications, it can interfere with the efficacy and possibly cause or worsen side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider if any medications or supplements you are currently taking may interact adversely with Pepto-Bismol.

• Pepto-Bismol may interact with the following:
• Daily aspirin, anticoagulants, or blood thinners such as warfarin
• Diabetes medications
• Gout medications
• Arthritis medications
• Tetracycline antibiotics

The doses administered to patients depend on a variety of factors including their age, weight, and symptoms being treated.

For Pepto-Bismol caplets and liquicaps, the dosages are as follows:

• 2 caplets of the Original Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps formula every 30 minutes.
• 2 caplets of the Pepto Diarrhea LiquiCaps formula every 30 minutes.
• 2 caplets of the Original Pepto-Bismol Caplets formula every 30 minutes.
• 1 caplet of the Original Pepto-Bismol Ultra Caplets formula every 30 minutes.
• Do not exceed more than 8 doses in 24 hours.

For Pepto-Bismol liquids and syrups, the dosages are as follows:

• 30ml of the Original Liquid formula.
• 15ml of the Extra Strength formula.
• 10 ml of the Pepto Diarrhea Liquid formula.
• Do not exceed more than 8 doses in 24 hours.

For Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets, the dosages are as follows:

• 2 chewables at a time for adults. Do not exceed 16 chewables in 24 hours.
• 1 chewable (a maximum of 3 chewables in 24 hours) for children 2-5 years of age or 24-47 lbs.
• 2 chewables (a maximum of 6 chewables in 24 hours) for children 6-11 years of age or 48-95 lbs.

Elements such as heat, moisture, and even light can damage your medications. Pepto-Bismol should be stored at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius/68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), preferably in the kitchen cabinet rather than the bathroom cabinet, as light and humidity can interfere with the efficacy. Once opened, Pepto-Bismol can remain at room temperature and does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children.

The Pepto-Bismol brand name is manufactured by the Procter & Gamble Company.

Bismuth subsalicylate is considered the generic version of Pepto-Bismol and is available from many companies.

Talk to your healthcare provider about stopping Pepto-Bismol. You should only take it for up to 2 days. Taking it longer will increase your risk of getting side effects. If your symptoms are not better or are getting worse after 2 days, contact your provider.

Pepto-Bismol should be avoided while pregnant, particularly around week 30 and onward as it contains salicylate which may increase the risk of bleeding problems such as uterine bleeding or birth abnormalities to the baby’s developing heart.

Pepto-Bismol should be avoided while breastfeeding as the salicylates may have harmful effects and impact the baby’s development.