Wondering what it is about the the pink stuff that deals with diarrhea? Read on to find out how pepto-bismol works.
Main points:
- How it works: Pepto-Bismol’s active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, coats the gastrointestinal tract, reduces inflammation, and fights harmful bacteria.
- Use and Dosage: Effective for diarrhea, upset stomach, and heartburn; starts working in 30-60 minutes. Available in liquid and tablet form.
- Side effects and risks: Includes black stools or tongue, constipation, and possible allergic reactions. It is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, pregnant women, or young children.
Pepto-Bismol is a commonly used medication to help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. It is an over-the-counter medication and does not require a prescription from a doctor.
How does Pepto-Bismol work?
The active ingredient in pepto-bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth has anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammation properties.
The famous pink concoction works by coating the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, forming protection against stomach acid.
Reducing symptoms
It can act as an antacid, which can help in reducing the symptoms associated with an upset stomach, heartburn, and indigestion.
The remedy can treat diarrhea by stimulating the absorption of fluids and electrolytes (sodium and chloride), leading to a decrease in fluid loss. It also inhibits the formation of prostaglandins, which helps reduce inflammation and excessive movement in the digestive tract.
It also hinders intestinal secretions caused by E. coli and binds toxins to kill the infectious bacteria.
Pepto-Bismol is taken orally. Upon entering the stomach, bismuth subsalicylate hydrolyzes into bismuth and salicylic acid.
The salicylic acid is completely absorbed into the blood in the small intestine, while the bismuth compound produces bismuth salts.
The bismuth salts help inhibit the growth and binding of the bacteria on the gastrointestinal wall.
This enables the drug to get rid of H. pylori as well as heal any ulcers.
Pepto-Bismol is available in two forms
Pepto-Bismol is available in two forms: oral suspension (liquid) and tablets, which can be either chewable or non-chewable. The chewable tablets generally dissolve in the mouth so they can be either chewed or swallowed.
The tablets cannot be chewed and must be swallowed whole with water.
Patients should take the medication as directed by their doctor or pharmacist. The dosage usually depends on the individual’s age and medical condition.
How long does Pepto-Bismol take to work?
People taking Pepto-Bismol can generally expect it to start working within 30 to 60 minutes.
They can repeat their dose after around 30 minutes and it is recommended to take up to eight doses in one day.
What is Pepto-Bismol used for?
This medication has been used to treat and prevent traveler’s diarrhea, a condition affecting approximately 20 and 50 percent of tourists visiting developing countries.
Traveler’s diarrhea is most commonly caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), generally found in contaminated food and water, however, a 2003 study, published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, showed that bismuth was less effective in preventing traveller’s diarrhea in comparison to antibiotics.
Upon medical advice of a doctor, it can be used to treat peptic or duodenal ulcer disease, caused by bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the digestive tract.
According to several studies, this drug, prescribed along with other medications such as a proton pump inhibitor as part of a quadruple treatment regimen, has been able to get rid of around ninety percent of H. pylori in the digestive tract.
Risks and Side Effects of Taking Pepto-Bismol
Patients are generally recommended to take Pepto-Bismol for up to two days.
This is because the medication can increase their risk of side effects if taken for more than two days. A common side effect is dark or black tongue and stools. This is temporary until the individual has stopped taking the drug.
Other side effects associated with the medication include constipation, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, nausea, anxiety, and muscle spasms.
These side effects are considered to be serious and individuals experiencing them will need to immediately contact their doctor to seek medical attention.
Who can use peopto-bismol?
The drug is not recommended for patients with medical conditions, which include bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, active gastrointestinal ulcers, gout, or diabetes.
Persons taking medications with high levels of salicylate or anticoagulants (blood thinners) are recommended not to take Pepto-Bismol.
People found to be sensitive to aspirin are recommended to avoid the pink stuff or any other medications containing bismuth subsalicylate.
This is because they can be intolerant to salicylate and potentially develop an allergic reaction to the drug.
Pepto-Bismol while Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are recommended to talk to their doctor before deciding to take Pepto-Bismol.
The drug is generally not recommended for women during pregnancy. This may be due to the risk of absorbing salicylate, which can cross the placenta.
It is not prescribed to pregnant women in their second and third trimesters as it is possibly linked to the increased risk of bleeding during delivery.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and some research studies, it is recommended that women who are breastfeeding should not take the drug as it can potentially pass into breast milk.
However, more research may be needed to assess the safety of using Pepto-Bismol during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pepto-Bismol for Children
Parents with children under the age of twelve are recommended to consult their doctor before deciding to use bismuth for their child.
Children under the age of two years should not use pepto-bismol in any form, because of the risks of accumulating bismuth, magnesium, or aluminum.
Children or adolescents who have been recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or the flu should not to use Pepto-Bismol. This is because bismuth can increase the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome, a progressive brain disorder that leads to swelling in the brain and the liver.
References
- Budisak P, Abbas M. Bismuth Subsalicylate. [Updated 2020 Jul 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560697/
- Ericsson CD. Travellers’ diarrhoea. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2003;21(2):116-124. doi:10.1016/s0924-8579(02)00282-0
- de Boer WA, Tytgat GN. Regular review: treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. BMJ. 2000;320(7226):31-34. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7226.31
- Testerman TL, Morris J. Beyond the stomach: an updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(36):12781-12808. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12781
- Thazhath SS, Haque M, Florin TH. Oral bismuth for chronic intractable diarrheal conditions? Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2013;6:19-25. doi:10.2147/CEG.S41743
- Gorbach SL. Bismuth therapy in gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterology. 1990;99(3):863-875. doi:10.1016/0016-5085(90)90983-8
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pepto-bismol/#:~:text=How%20long%20does%20it%20take,8%20doses%20in%2024%20hours.
- Black RA, Hill DA. Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(12):2517-2524.
- Is It Safe to Use Pepto-Bismol During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pepto-bismol-during-pregnancy-breastfeeding#safety-during-pregnancy
- Can You Have Pepto Bismol When Breastfeeding? Retrieved from https://www.momjunction.com/articles/pepto-bismol-when-breastfeeding_00463388/#Citation4
- Is Pepto-Bismol safe for kids? Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/pepto-bismol-and-kids-2634641#:~:text=In%20This%20Article&text=Children’s%20Pepto%20Antacid%20is%20available,in%20children%20under%20age%2012.
