Pepto Bismol is an OTC over-the-counter medicine that is used for occasional digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhoea. It is an antacid and is available in many dosage forms such as liquid, capsule, and tablet. Pepto Bismol is also available in a variety of strengths.
Medications are used for a variety of purposes. While Pepto Bismol is useful for digestive problems, at the same time it also has some side effects. People often have queries regarding Pepto Bismol such as whether does Pepto Bismol make you poop or Pepto Bismol makes your poop black.
So in this article, we will discuss everything about Pepto Bismol.
What is Pepto Bismol
As discussed earlier, Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter antacid medicine which is useful for treating digestive issues such as gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. Since it is pink in color it is also known as the Pink stuff or pink bismuth. It is available in a variety of generic formulations.
Other than its useful effects it also has side effects such as black or dark color stool. Although these side effects are harmless and Temporary. Pepto Bismol interacts with other medicines including anticoagulants and blood thinners. If you are using Pepto Bismol you should only use it for a certain time period for treatment of occasional symptoms. If you are suffering from chronic digestive problems, you should consult a physician.
Does Pepto Bismol Make You Poop?
No, it is useful for treating diarrhea. It works on your digestive system and treats issues related to it. However, we cannot say that Pepto Bismol causes poop or diarrhea. rather It improves your excretory system.
Uses of Pepto Bismol
Pepto Bismol has bismuth subsalicylate as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. This antacid medication helps in treating the inflammation of the digestive system. Bismuth has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-diarrheal properties.
Bismuth in combination with subsalicylate resolves the following digestive issues
⦁ Stomach upset
⦁ Diarrhoea
⦁ Heartburn
⦁ Indigestion
⦁ Nausea
⦁ Feeling too full
With a doctor’s recommendation, people also use Pepto Bismol to treat the bacteria H pylori and its symptoms. Your physician may also recommend Pepto Bismol for the treatment of chronic digestive disorders. When you are travelling to unfamiliar areas you can suffer from Travelers diarrhea as the local bacteria can attack your digestive system. In such a situation, Pepto Bismol’s antibacterial properties work wonders.
If your digestive problems last longer than two days then you should consult a doctor immediately. for severe digestive issues, self-diagnosis and treatment with Pepto Bismol are not recommended.
Disadvantages of Pepto Bismol
Pepto Bismol side effects are not common. Still, the most common side effect is Black Or dark stool and dark tongue. It is a temporary reaction caused by bismuth. When a person stops taking Pepto Bismol the darkening of the stool and tongue goes away on its own.
Most people do not suffer from any side effects due to Pepto Bismol. If someone is allergic to Salicylate they can suffer from drug interaction adverse effects. If you are allergic to any of the constituents of the medication consult your physician to recommend you other generic forms. Very rare people may also experience hearing loss. If you suffer from such a situation immediately stop taking medicine and visit the physician.
The extreme side effect of Pepto Bismol May include internal bleeding in the intestine and stomach. Stop consuming Pepto Bismol if you suffer from dark or bloody stool, severe cramps, or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds immediately consult a physician.
Why Pepto Bismol Make Your Stool Black?
Bismuth subsalicylate is the active Pharmaceutical ingredient of Pepto Bismol which is responsible for dark grey or black color stool. a very tiny amount of sulphur is present in saliva and the gastrointestinal tract, when Bismuth subsalicylate combines with Sulphur it converts into bismuth sulphide. When sulphur combines with the salt in the mouth, it results in a black tongue. The dead skin cells can also accumulate on the tongue giving it a hairy appearance. When sulphur combines in the gastrointestinal tract with salt it results in the black stool. Once you will stop the medication your stool and tongue both will get back to their normal color within a few days.
How much quality can you take of it?
For liquid formulation
⦁ Take a 30ml dose every 30 minutes with symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, stomach upset, and indigestion.
⦁ Take a 30ml dose every 30 minutes for traveller’s diarrhea.
For tablet doses form
⦁ Take 2 tablets every 30 minutes for diarrhea
⦁ Take 2 tablets every 30 minutes for nausea, indigestion, stomach upset, and heartburn.
When to take Pepto Bismol?
For mild digestive symptoms, you can take Pepto Bismol. However, if your symptoms are not recovering and it has been more than two weeks then you should immediately consult a doctor and stop taking the medication.
Is it safe to take Pepto Bismol for children
No, Pepto Bismol medication is designed for children older than 12 years old. Pepto Bismol also has a separate product which is made for children younger than 12 years old. Pepto Bismol for children younger than 12 years old help in treating heartburn and indigestion.
Chewable tablets of Pepto Bismol for kids have the following dosage form
⦁ One tablet for children 24 to 47 pounds, age 2-5 years.
⦁ Two tablets for children 48 to 95 pounds, aged 6-11 years.
If your child is younger than 2 years old Pepto Bismoll is not recommended for them. Consult a doctor for an alternate.
Is it safe to take Pepto Bismol for pregnant women
There is not enough research which can tell about the safety and harmfulness of Pepto Bismol during pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Therefore, a pregnant woman should first consult her doctor about the use of Pepto Bismol or any other medication consisting of bismuth subsalicylate salts.
Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of symptoms related to the digestive tract. This medication is useful for treating diarrhoea, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, and gas issues. Sometimes it is also useful in treating gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers.
Conclusion
The question does Pepto Bismol makes you poop has no connection which health issues. Although Pepto Bismol does make your Stool black but it is only a temporary side effect and does not cause any toxicity. However, if your stool or tongue remains black or grey for several days even after quitting this medication, you should consult a doctor.
