Pepto-Bismol, will the pink stuff work for you?
Written: Feb 26 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: it can soothe an upset stomach, can put a halt to diarrhea
Cons: i cant stand the taste ... have you ever vomited bright pink?
The Bottom Line: WHile it helps some symptoms sometimes, I find other drugs to be more effective for me.
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| jiastar's Full Review: Pepto-Bismol Original Formula Liquid |
Some history
The original form of this medication was introduced in 1900. In 1918 it went national (in the US), under the name Bismosal with the Norwich Eaton Co. However, another product was also being marketed with a similar name so in 1919 the name Pepto-Bismol was born, and the formula is relatively unchanged sine that time. In 1982, Procter & Gamble acquired "Pepto" has since expanded its use to include tablets and caplets.
What is it Used to treat?
Upset Stomach
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Diarrhea
How Does it Work?
The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is Bismuth Subsalicylate, which acts as an:
Antacid
Antidiarrheal
Antisecretory
Antiulcer agent
My experience
I have, over the years, taken this medication for nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
I have found this medication to be helpful for controlling diarrhea. However, I find that while Kaopectate will stop diarrhea in generally one dose I usually require 2, possibly 3 of Pepto to get the same result.
I have found it to be helpful for indigestion, however I find that TUMS are just as effective and, to me, more palatable.
For nausea I do not find it effective. And I can honestly say that vomiting BRIGHT PINK is not truly a pleasant experience.
The bottom line?
If I feel ill and this is all that's available, I'll give it a try. But, when shopping, I will buy other products which for me are more effective.
Side Effects
In some patients this medication may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking this medicine.
However, contact your physician immediately if any of the following occur, since they may indicate possible overdose (bear in mind that when dehydrated due to illness even taking the medication properly can result in symptoms of overdose due to raised concentrations of the drug):
Anxiety
any loss of hearing
confusion
constipation (severe)
diarrhea (severe or continuing)
difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness (severe)
fast or deep breathing
headache (severe or continuing)
increased sweating
increased thirst
mental depression
muscle spasms (especially of face, neck, and back)
muscle weakness
nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)
ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing)
stomach pain (severe or continuing)
trembling
uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands (especially in elderly patients) or other uncontrolled body movements; vision problems
Points of Concern
Pepto Bismol should not be taken by persons with aspirin-allergy, renal insufficiency, bleeding disorders, or gout; or persons taking probenecid or methotrexate
The bismuth in this medicine may cause severe constipation in children.
This medicine is not to be used in treating nausea or vomiting in children/teenagers who have or are recovering from the flu or chickenpox. If nausea or vomiting is present, check with the child's doctor because this could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a potentially dangerous illness.
When taking bismuth subsalicylate it is especially important that your physician know if you are taking:
Any kind of blood thinner
Oral Diabetic medication
Medicine for pain and/or inflammation (except narcotics)
Tetracycline Antibiotics
sources:
http://www.depts.drew.edu/health/Travel.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/bismuthsubsalicylateoral202092.html
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
jiastar
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
Reviews written: 368
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A wife ... a mom ... and a Witch
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