Common questions about Pepto-Bismol (2024)

FAQs

Common questions about Pepto-Bismol? ›

Can I drive or ride a bike? Taking Pepto-Bismol will not usually affect your ability to drive a car or ride a bike. However, taking too much Pepto-Bismol can make you feel confused, tired or dizzy. It can also affect your hearing or cause ringing or buzzing in your ears.

At first sold directly to physicians, it was first marketed as Bismosal in 1918. Pepto-Bismol was first sold in 1900 by a doctor in New York. It was originally sold as a remedy for infant diarrhea by Norwich Pharmacal Company under the name "Bismosal: Mixture Cholera Infantum".

Pepto-Bismol side effects are typically mild. Nausea, a bitter taste, and a blackened tongue are possible. Rarely, Pepto-Bismol can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome in children and allergic reactions in those with aspirin allergies.

Where does the name come from? Pepto was a marketeer's version of pepsin, a natural substance that aids digestion. Bismol is named for bismuth, the active ingredient that works, Schwartz says, by “coating the stomach.” Even though Pepto is now pepsin-less, no one could bear to change the name.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, it is not bismuth subsalicylate that gives Pepto-Bismol its carnation colouring. That compound is beige. It turns out that Pepto is pink simply because Procter and Gamble dye it pink!

You can take Pepto-Bismol for up to 2 days. Do not take it for more than 2 days as this will increase your risk of getting side effects. If your symptoms are no better or are getting worse after 2 days, contact your doctor.

Pepto Bismol's active ingredient is expressly banned in France and Denmark and you're unlikely to find it elsewhere in Europe. The pink tablets and liquid are among the most recommended items to bring from home for Americans living abroad.

When will I feel better? Pepto-Bismol should work within 30 to 60 minutes. You can have another dose after 30 to 60 minutes, if you need to. You can take up to 8 doses in 24 hours.

What should I avoid with Pepto-Bismol? ›

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.

When treating diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid. Keep drinking fluids even if you're using Pepto-Bismol. If your condition lasts longer than 2 days or you have ringing in your ears, stop taking Pepto-Bismol and call your doctor.

Salicylate toxicity can occur after overdose. Avoid Pepto Bismol if you take aspirin regularly. It is not advisable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children under 12 years of age should not take salicylate products due to an increased risk for Reye's Syndrome.

This medicine is used for heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and feeling sick (nausea). It works by protecting your stomach and the lower part of your food pipe from stomach acid. It is also a mild antacid, which helps reduce too much stomach acid and eases any discomfort.

As it slowly makes its way out of your body you may see black poo. This side effect usually goes away when you stop taking the medicine but it may take several days. If your tongue or your poo is still black after you've stopped taking Pepto-Bismol for several days, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Bismuth subsalicylate is an antacid and anti-diarrheal agent. Exhibiting antibacterial and gastroprotective properties, bismuth subsalicylate is an insoluble salt of salicylic acid linked to trivalent bismuth cation. Each molecule of bismuth subsalicylate contains 58% bismuth and 42% salicylate by weight.

This medicine is used for heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and feeling sick (nausea). It works by protecting your stomach and the lower part of your food pipe from stomach acid. It is also a mild antacid, which helps reduce too much stomach acid and eases any discomfort.

The adult's dosage for Pepto Bismol tablets and capsules is: Take 2 pills (524 mg) by mouth every 30 minutes as needed. For diarrhea, you have the option to take 4 pills (1,048 mg) every 60 minutes as needed. Don't take more than 16 pills in 24 hours.

This medication is used to treat occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea. It is also used to treat diarrhea and help prevent travelers' diarrhea. It works by helping to slow the growth of bacteria that might be causing the diarrhea.