Does Pepto-Bismol stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.

How long does it take Pepto-Bismol to stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol should work within 30 to 60 minutes. You can have another dose after 30 to 60 minutes, if you need to. You can take up to 8 doses in 24 hours.

Does Pepto-Bismol stop diarrhea fast?

Bismuth subsalicylate: Sold as Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and store brand generics, this medication stabilizes how fluids move through the digestive tract. It can quickly stop diarrhea.

What if I still have diarrhea after taking Pepto-Bismol?

So, if you experience any side effects at all, you should stop using Pepto-Bismol. If you experience diarrhea after starting the medication, it's best to stay well hydrated. The darkening of the tongue or stool is harmless and will resolve on its own within a few days of stopping Pepto-Bismol.

When should you not take Pepto-Bismol?

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pepto-Bismol is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate or any of the other ingredients in Pepto-Bismol or Pepti Calm.

Pepto-Bismol for Travelers’ Diarrhea

Why shouldn't you lay down after taking Pepto?

Take tablet or capsule forms of this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Also, do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine. This helps to prevent irritation that may lead to trouble in swallowing.

When is the best time to take Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?

How to take it. You can take Pepto-Bismol with or without food. Chew the tablets or let them dissolve on your tongue.

What can I take to stop diarrhea?

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce the number of watery bowel movements and control severe symptoms.

How do you stop diarrhea when Pepto isn't working?

Do: Bump Up Your Fiber Intake. For cases of chronic diarrhea, bulking up your loose stool with fiber supplements like psyllium and methylcellulose can help slow or stop the liquid poops, she says. You can also increase fiber in your diet by eating foods like beans and oat bran.

Should I take Pepto or let it run its course?

Over-the-Counter. Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course.

Does Pepto-Bismol Harden poop?

Subsalicylate is a medication in the same class as aspirin. The active ingredients of Pepto-Bismol are thought to have the following actions within the body: Increasing the amount of fluid that is absorbed in the intestines, therefore firming up stool.

What causes diarrhea like water?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.

How long should diarrhea last?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

What is the quickest way to stop diarrhea?

One tried-and-true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland, and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm up your stools.

How long does it take for Pepto-Bismol to kick in?

How long does Pepto-Bismol take to work? People taking Pepto-Bismol can generally expect it to start working within 30 to 60 minutes. They can repeat their dose after around 30 minutes and is recommended to take up to eight doses in one day.

What should you not mix Pepto with?

Do not take other painkillers, like ibuprofen or aspirin, with Pepto-Bismol without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This could cause side effects.

Does Pepto-Bismol really work?

It works well to stop diarrhea, but you might need to take it multiple times a day. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause harmless darkening of your tongue or stools.

Is watery diarrhea an infection?

Most cases of acute, watery diarrhea are caused by viruses (viral gastroenteritis). The most common ones in children are rotavirus and in adults are norovirus (this is sometimes called “cruise ship diarrhea” due to well publicized epidemics). Bacteria are a common cause of traveler's diarrhea.

How serious is watery diarrhea?

Watery diarrhea is often harmless and fleeting. In some cases, though, it can lead to more serious conditions. The two primary concerns related to watery diarrhea are dehydration and malabsorption.

What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

How long does it take for stool to return to normal after diarrhea?

Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.

What's better Imodium or Pepto-Bismol?

But when comparing Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol, does one work better than the other? One study published in 1990 suggests that loperamide (Imodium A-D) works better than bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for treating acute diarrhea. Loperamide was able to provide faster relief compared to bismuth subsalicylate.