It is an antidiarrheal medication taken to manage nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, and heartburn.
you’re able to purchase it OTC.
Several different properties of Pepto-Bismol help to alleviate symptoms.
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It has an antibacterial effect that prevents microorganisms from attaching to the intestinal tract.
This prevents bacteria from growing and reduces diarrhea.
It also prevents prostaglandin secretion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
This prevents fluid loss and reduces diarrhea.
Pepto-Bismol can be taken with or without food.
confirm you drink enough fluids because diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe medications for conditions that are not FDA-approved.
These are called off-label indications.
Side effects should go away when you stop the medication.
Common side effects associated with Pepto-Bismol include:
Pepto-Bismol is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Reyes syndromeis a potentially life-threatening condition that affects all organs, especially the liver and brain.
Salicylates, including Pepto Bismol, are not recommended for children and adolescents.
Though it is rare, it can still be life-threatening.
confirm you check labels before consuming OTC items.
Other Considerations
Pepto-Bismol may not be a good choice for everyone.
If you are experiencing symptoms after two days, contact your healthcare provider.
Understanding Tums
Tums contains the active ingredient calcium carbonate.
It is an antacid that is approved for acid ingestion, upset stomach, and heartburn.
It is available OTC in numerous chewable formulations and is indicated for adults and children over 12.
Tums works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
This changes the stomachs pH and decreases irritation.
It also decreases the activity of pepsin.
Pepsin is produced in the stomach and breaks down food proteins during digestion.
Tums can be purchased without a prescription.
It is affordable, and there are several generic alternatives available.
Pepto Kids is a product from the company that makes Pepto-Bismol.
Pepto Kids actually contains the ingredient calcium carbonate, which is the same ingredient in Tums.
Unlike Pepto-Bismol, Tums are safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Just be sure you do not exceed the recommended dosages.
Use them under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Taking large doses or for longer than a couple of weeks can cause more serious side effects.
Taking too much calcium can causehigh blood calcium levels.
If you are experiencing signs of high calcium levels, get medical help immediately.
Symptoms include:
Calcium carbonate can decrease the effectiveness of some other medications.
You may have to separate Tums from other medications by a few hours.
Ask your pharmacist if any of your medications interact.
Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tums contain calcium carbonate and effectively reduce stomach acid.
If you need help choosing, you could contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
DailyMed.Label: PEPTO-BISMOL- bismuth subsalicylate suspension.
DailyMed.Label: TUMS- calcium carbonate tablet.
UpToDate.Bismuth subsalicylate: drug information.
UpToDate.Calcium carbonate: drug information.
Reyes Syndrome Foundation.What is Reyes syndrome?
UpToDate.Salicylate (aspirin) poisoning: clinical manifestations and evaluation.
Tums.Tums products for heartburn relief.
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DailyMed.Label: PEPTO KIDS- calcium carbonate tablet, chewable.
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