Digestive problems can be chronic or acute and are certainly quite uncomfortable for many people, because if they are not treated properly they are capable of intervening in daily life.
In this sense, historical details explain that since the 20th century, formulas with minerals have reached various types of drugs such as pepto bismol that, to this day, are efficient in combating negative symptoms of gastrointestinal problems.
For this reason, we will study in this article what pepto bismol® is for, taking into account its presentations, contraindications and effects.
What is pepto bismol?
Pepto bismol® is a commercial product, produced by the pharmaceutical company Procter & Gamble (1) , whose components were formerly zinc salts , salol and pepsin; currently the only active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate.
Pepto bismol® comes in tablet, solution or liquid presentations and in chewable tablets , whose only route of administration is oral. Pepto bismol® dosages are usually 2 tablets every half hour a day, or 1 to 2 tablespoons a day.
Note: A medical study mentions the following information: ” In the United States it has been marketed for more than 80 years as pepto-bismol , which contains bismuth salicylate as the active ingredient, in the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial diarrhea . ” (two)
What is pepto bismol used for?
This type of medicine has antidiarrheal properties, which seek to provide effective and safe relief from certain states of the digestive system , which are mostly very common. It is specifically indicated for the following cases:
1. Heartburn and nausea
Heartburn is a common disorder, where there is a sour taste and pain from the chest area to the throat, when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
To highlight: The pepto bismol® compound serves as a protector and relief for the intestinal mucosa, since it adheres to its walls with a protective action, without causing constipation due to the interference of stomach acid when this anomaly exists.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion or upset stomach, is a case where you feel pain or swelling in the entire area of the abdomen , being the result of constipation , peptic ulcers or also stomach pain from feeling full from an excess of undigested food.
You should know: With the administration of pepto bismol® an effective and safe relief occurs , since the production of prostaglandins is greatly reduced, which is indirectly related to intestinal inflammation or even to the increase in muscle contractions, which cause constipation (intestinal hypermotility).
3. Diarrhea
The main objective of pepto bismol® is to combat diarrhoea , which is recognizable as an acute or even chronic case where the stool becomes very soft , often it can even be caused by bacteria from spoiled food.
Note: Pepto bismol® is prescribed primarily because it has absorbent characteristics and antimicrobial action, so it can eliminate or reduce the synthesis of bacteria in the intestinal mucosal walls and even increase water absorption to prevent dehydration.
Pepto Bismol Side Effects
Pepto bismol® must be administered appropriately during the necessary occasions , but one must also be aware of the presence of certain frequent adverse effects due to its use. So the side effects of pepto bismol® are these:
- Dark tone in diarrhea.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Temporary constipation.
- Behavior different from diarrhea.
- vomiting _
Important: Make the suspension of the use of this medicine, if the effects are altered and interfere with your daily life.
Pepto bismol contraindications
The administration of pepto bismol® is not recommended for a certain number of patients, with certain disorders in a delicate digestive system. Therefore, pepto bismol® is specifically contraindicated for the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to active metabolites.
- Renal insufficiency.
- bleeding ulcers
- Children under 12 years.
- Reye’s syndrome (disease that causes brain inflammation and liver damage).
To highlight: It is necessary to opt for a medical prescription, if you want an adequate use of this product for certain patients.
Key Findings
- Pepto bismol® is a commercial antidiarrheal product, with bismuth subsalicylate as the active principle.
- Pepto bismol® is primarily indicated to relieve stomach upset and decrease acidity .
- Pepto bismol® may cause adverse reactions such as constipation or ringing in the ears.
- The use of pepto bismol® should not be prescribed in children under 12 years of age, nor in cases of hypersensitivity to the components.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.