Does Pepto Bismol Make You Poop?
When you are constipated, it implies that you have difficult bowel movement or the frequency of your bowel movement is less than normal. Constipation is a common problem and is usually not considered serious. However, constipation can make you feel uncomfortable at times. The drug Pepto Bismol has an effect on your digestive system. Hence, pops up the question – Does Pepto Bismol make you poop? This article discusses an answer to this question.
Can Pepto Bismol Make You Poop?
Belonging to a class of drugs referred to as antiDiarrheals, Pepto Bismol is the brand name of the salt bismuth subsalicylate. It is used to treat diarrhea and indigestion. It helps in reducing the number of bowel movements and making the stool firmer. The common adverse effects of Pepto Bismol are black stool, black tongue, Tinnitus or ringing in the ears and constipation. So, does Pepto Bismol make you poop? Probably no, it may even cause constipation because it is used to counteract the effect of loose stool or diarrhea.
More Uses of Pepto Bismol
Apart from being used to treat diarrhea, Pepto Bismol is also used to treat Heartburn, nausea, stomach upset, and symptoms caused due to too much eating or drinking. It may also be utilized in treating certain other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.
The working of Pepto Bismol is not completely understood. It is believed that it works by reducing the juices secreted in the digestive tract, by decreasing inflammation in the intestines and stomach, and by inhibiting the growth of some viruses and bacteria that can result in diseases of intestines.
Why Does Pepto Bismol Make Your Stool Black?
After knowing the answer to "Does Pepto Bismol make you poop?" you may also want to know why it makes your stool darken in color. The discoloration of the stools caused by Pepto Bismol is harmless and temporary. Bismuth is found in the active ingredient of Pepto Bismol. A black colored compound, bismuth sulfide, is formed by the combination of small quantity of bismuth and sulfur present in your gastrointestinal tract and saliva. The discoloration of stool may take several days to disappear after stopping Pepto Bismol. The time for which Pepto Bismol will remain in your system is determined by your bowel habits, age (Digestive tract slows down as you age) and the quantity of Pepto Bismol ingested.
How Much Pepto Bismol Should You Take?
You can get Pepto Bismol in the caplet, liquid or chewable tablet form. The dosage is no greater than 8 regular strength or 4 extra strength tablets per day. In liquid form the dosage is no greater than 120 ml or 8 tablespoons per day. Adults should not ingest greater than 2 regular-strength tablets at one time (262 mg/tablet), at an interval of every ½ an hour to 1 hour as required.
525 mg of the active component is present in 30 ml or 2 tablespoons of the regular strength liquid of Pepto Bismol. 1,050 mg of the active component is present in 30 ml of the extra strength liquid of Pepto Bismol.
It is worth to know that bismuth subsalicylate is not present in the children’s Pepto Bismol, instead it contains antacids for treating upset stomach in children.
Can Everyone Take Pepto Bismol?
For whatever problem you are taking Pepto Bismol for, it is imperative to know that it is not suitable for certain groups of individuals, including:
Pregnant Women
The growing fetus could be harmed by Pepto Bismol. You should consult your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol anytime during pregnancy. However, it should be completely avoided by pregnant females after 20th week of pregnancy. You should also alert your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol if you are planning pregnancy or you are breastfeeding. The medicine should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Children
Since a salicylate family ingredient is an active component of Pepto Bismol, it should be avoided in children and teenagers if they are suffering from flu virus or Chicken Pox. Moreover, a child who has got chicken pox vaccine within the last 6 months should not be given Pepto Bismol. Besides, the component related to salicylate family present in Pepto Bismol can cause a serious medical illness referred to as Reyes’ syndrome in kids.
When to Avoid Pepto Bismol
Although the answer to "Does Pepto Bismol make you poop?" is probably negative, you can still use it to treat various other conditions. However, do remember that do not take Pepto Bismol if:
When you are constipated, it implies that you have difficult bowel movement or the frequency of your bowel movement is less than normal. Constipation is a common problem and is usually not considered serious. However, constipation can make you feel uncomfortable at times. The drug Pepto Bismol has an effect on your digestive system. Hence, pops up the question – Does Pepto Bismol make you poop? This article discusses an answer to this question.
Can Pepto Bismol Make You Poop?
Belonging to a class of drugs referred to as antiDiarrheals, Pepto Bismol is the brand name of the salt bismuth subsalicylate. It is used to treat diarrhea and indigestion. It helps in reducing the number of bowel movements and making the stool firmer. The common adverse effects of Pepto Bismol are black stool, black tongue, Tinnitus or ringing in the ears and constipation. So, does Pepto Bismol make you poop? Probably no, it may even cause constipation because it is used to counteract the effect of loose stool or diarrhea.
More Uses of Pepto Bismol
Apart from being used to treat diarrhea, Pepto Bismol is also used to treat Heartburn, nausea, stomach upset, and symptoms caused due to too much eating or drinking. It may also be utilized in treating certain other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.
The working of Pepto Bismol is not completely understood. It is believed that it works by reducing the juices secreted in the digestive tract, by decreasing inflammation in the intestines and stomach, and by inhibiting the growth of some viruses and bacteria that can result in diseases of intestines.
Why Does Pepto Bismol Make Your Stool Black?
After knowing the answer to "Does Pepto Bismol make you poop?" you may also want to know why it makes your stool darken in color. The discoloration of the stools caused by Pepto Bismol is harmless and temporary. Bismuth is found in the active ingredient of Pepto Bismol. A black colored compound, bismuth sulfide, is formed by the combination of small quantity of bismuth and sulfur present in your gastrointestinal tract and saliva. The discoloration of stool may take several days to disappear after stopping Pepto Bismol. The time for which Pepto Bismol will remain in your system is determined by your bowel habits, age (Digestive tract slows down as you age) and the quantity of Pepto Bismol ingested.
How Much Pepto Bismol Should You Take?
You can get Pepto Bismol in the caplet, liquid or chewable tablet form. The dosage is no greater than 8 regular strength or 4 extra strength tablets per day. In liquid form the dosage is no greater than 120 ml or 8 tablespoons per day. Adults should not ingest greater than 2 regular-strength tablets at one time (262 mg/tablet), at an interval of every ½ an hour to 1 hour as required.
525 mg of the active component is present in 30 ml or 2 tablespoons of the regular strength liquid of Pepto Bismol. 1,050 mg of the active component is present in 30 ml of the extra strength liquid of Pepto Bismol.
It is worth to know that bismuth subsalicylate is not present in the children’s Pepto Bismol, instead it contains antacids for treating upset stomach in children.
Can Everyone Take Pepto Bismol?
For whatever problem you are taking Pepto Bismol for, it is imperative to know that it is not suitable for certain groups of individuals, including:
Pregnant Women
The growing fetus could be harmed by Pepto Bismol. You should consult your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol anytime during pregnancy. However, it should be completely avoided by pregnant females after 20th week of pregnancy. You should also alert your doctor before taking Pepto Bismol if you are planning pregnancy or you are breastfeeding. The medicine should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Children
Since a salicylate family ingredient is an active component of Pepto Bismol, it should be avoided in children and teenagers if they are suffering from flu virus or Chicken Pox. Moreover, a child who has got chicken pox vaccine within the last 6 months should not be given Pepto Bismol. Besides, the component related to salicylate family present in Pepto Bismol can cause a serious medical illness referred to as Reyes’ syndrome in kids.
When to Avoid Pepto Bismol
Although the answer to "Does Pepto Bismol make you poop?" is probably negative, you can still use it to treat various other conditions. However, do remember that do not take Pepto Bismol if:
- You develop Allergy to any components present in chewable tablets of Pepto Bismol;
- You are suffering from bleeding problems such as Hemophilia, ulcer that is actively bleeding, bloody or black stools or Von Willebrand disease;
- You had a history of severe allergic symptoms including Hives, dizziness and difficulty breathing to aspirin, or a NSAID such as naproxen, ibuprofen etc.;
- You are taking other medicines containing salicylate such as aspirin.
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