Who can and cannot take Pepto-Bismol (2024)

FAQs

Who can and cannot take Pepto-Bismol? ›

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pepto-Bismol is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate or any of the other ingredients in Pepto-Bismol or Pepti Calm.

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.

The combination may cause your blood pressure to increase. You may need a dose adjustment or your blood pressure checked more often. Also, if you are already taking the combination and stop taking bismuth subsalicylate, your blood pressure may decrease.

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 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.

ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other medicine. diabetes. gout. a rare inherited condition called phenylketonuria where you cannot have aspartame – the chewable tablets contain aspartame.

For many people, Pepto-Bismol is a safe, easy way to relieve common stomach problems. But if you have any concerns about whether Pepto-Bismol is a safe option for you, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also call your doctor if Pepto-Bismol doesn't ease your symptoms after 2 days.

Over-the-counter medicine for traveler's diarrhea is regulated, too. Pepto-Bismol is not sold in France due to a health scare in the 1970s.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: valproic acid, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), dichlorphenamide, methotrexate. This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding.

Serious Side Effects

Bowel blockage: This can occur due to Pepto-Bismol-related constipation and is a particular concern in adults 65 and older.

Can you drink water after Pepto? ›

You can eat and drink normally while taking Pepto-Bismol. However, it's best to avoid foods that seem to make your indigestion worse, like rich, spicy and fatty foods. Try to cut down on caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks.

However, in some cases, Pepto-Bismol may prolong a stomach virus. This is because diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of the virus, and treating diarrhea may slow this process down. Most of the time, a stomach virus will resolve on its own with at-home care.

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.