Pharmacist's Verdict
Pepto-Bismol is a reliable, multi-symptom remedy for mild digestive issues like indigestion and traveler's diarrhea, but its aspirin-like ingredient means it's not safe for everyone, especially children.
Ingredient Analysis
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Treats five common stomach issues: nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
- Works relatively quickly to coat the stomach and calm irritation.
- Widely available over-the-counter and generally affordable.
- Has both anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties, which helps with traveler's diarrhea.
Cons
- Can cause a harmless but surprising side effect: a temporary black tongue and/or black stools.
- Contains a salicylate, so it must be avoided by people with aspirin allergies.
- Should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from the flu or chickenpox due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
- Can interact with blood thinners (like warfarin) and certain medications for diabetes or gout.
Safety Information
Warnings
Warnings Reye's syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Allergy alert: Contains salicylate. Do not take if you are allergic to salicylates (including aspirin) taking other salicylate products Do not use if you have an ulcer a bleeding problem bloody or black stool Ask a doctor before use if you have fever mucus in the stool Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any drug for anticoagulation (thinning the blood) diabetes gout arthritis When using this product a temporary, but harmless, darkening of th…
Is Pepto-Bismol safe for you?
See pregnancy, interactions, and common concerns answered in our pharmacist safety FAQ.
Read safety review →References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Bismuth
FDA DailyMed: Bismuth · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Pepto-Bismol
FDA DailyMed: Pepto-Bismol · FDA
- 3.Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea: a graded expert panel report.
Riddle MS, Connor BA, Beeching NJ, et al., Journal of travel medicine, 2017 · PubMed
- 4.Bismuth subsalicylate: history, chemistry, and safety.
Bierer DW, Reviews of infectious diseases, 1990 · PubMed
- 5.Bismuth Subsalicylate.
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- 6.Helicobacter pylori infection.
Suerbaum S, Michetti P, The New England journal of medicine, 2002 · PubMed