Common questions about Pepto-Bismol (2024)

FAQs

Common questions about Pepto-Bismol? ›

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". It was renamed Pepto-Bismol in 1919. Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Procter and Gamble in 1982.

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". It was renamed Pepto-Bismol in 1919. Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Procter and Gamble in 1982.

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. It should be avoided if you're pregnant.

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.

The active ingredient in Pepto Bismol^® is bismuth subsalicylate. This compound plus a little red dye gives Pepto Bismol its pink color. (According to a Procter & Gamble historian, the color was originally chosen to appeal to children and reduce their fears.)

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.

Pepto-Bismol is typically safe for most people, but avoid it if you have certain health conditions. Pepto-Bismol may make them worse. Don't take Pepto-Bismol if you: are allergic to salicylates (including aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib)

Is Pepto better on an empty stomach? ›

You can take Pepto-Bismol with or without food. Chew the tablets or let them dissolve on your tongue. If you're taking the liquid, shake the bottle, then use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine to make sure you get the right amount.

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. Reduce or try to avoid alcohol.

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.

Over-the-Counter

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)

It takes 30 minutes to an hour for Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) to start working and help relieve diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Sometimes referred to as "the pink stuff," Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is safe and effective for short-term use.

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.

Bismuth subsalicylate was first approved by the FDA in 1939 and is now mainly used to relieve nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is an active ingredient found in Pepto-Bismol, a common over-the-counter medication that is used to temporarily treat discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

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.

That compound is beige. It turns out that Pepto is pink simply because Procter and Gamble dye it pink! According to Pepto-Bismol, the doctor who developed their pink medicine in the early 20^th century chose pink, but no one really knows why.

If you need to, repeat this dose every 30 to 60 minutes. Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours.