Lots of people turn to Pepto-Bismol (or Kaopectate) as their go-to medicine when they have an upset stomach or are experiencing diarrhea. These might occur more frequently if you have IBS and you might be inclined to use Pepto-Bismol to relieve IBS symptoms, but as with all medications it is good to be informed about safety and possible side effects.
And we have a qiestion: “If Pepto-Bismol has expired a year ago, is it still good to use today?” or similar regarding the medicine expiration date and usage after it. Before answer the question, lets check the necessary information.
What Is Pepto-Bismol Commonly Used For?
Pepto Bismol is mostly used for the short-term treatment of the following digestion symptoms in adults and children aged 12 and older:
- Diarrhea
- Queasiness
- Indigestion
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Extreme intestinal gas
- Excessive burping
- A feeling of fullness caused by consuming excessive
- Decreasing discomfort from drinking excessive alcohol
Surprisingly, researchers have discovered that when Pepto-Bismol is integrated with antibiotics it can be quite effective in dealing with H. pylori, an infection that has actually been linked to peptic ulcers and gastritis.
How Pepto-Bismol Works
The taxonomic name for Pepto-Bismol is “bismuth subsalicylate.” Bismuth is a mineral that has antibacterial, antacid, and antidiarrheal results. Subsalicylate is a medication from the exact same class as aspirin. The active components of Pepto-Bismol are believed to have the following actions within the body:
- Increasing the amount of fluid that is soaked up in the intestines, for that reason tightening stool
- Lowering inflammation
- Soothing digestive spasms
- Lowering the population of disease-causing germs and/or infections
- Minimizing excess levels of stomach acid
Pepto-Bismol Ingredients
Each Pepto-Bismol liquid 30 mL dose cup contains:
- magnesium 25 mg, sodium 8 mg
- salicylate 261 mg
- low sodium
Each Pepto-Bismol chewable tablet includes:
- calcium 140 mg, magnesium 9 mg
- salicylate 101 mg
- very low sodium
Is Pepto-Bismol Safe?
Pepto-Bismol is considered to be quite safe for short-term usage by adults and children who are age 12 or over. When used effectively, the only side effect may be a momentary and safe blackening of the tongue or of the stool. In some cases, the medication might work too well, with constipation as an outcome.
Pepto-Bismol is only recommended for usage for a two day period. That, for that reason, makes it a bad choice for regular use as a treatment for people who experience chronic diarrhea, typical in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also makes it a bad choice for people who experience chronic heartburn or acid reflux from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Serious side effects of Pepto-Bismol are unusual, however not unprecedented. For the elderly, any resulting irregularity might result in a bowel obstruction. For children and teenagers, as Pepto-Bismol is in the aspirin family, the greatest risk related to the medication is the development of Reye’s syndrome, a possibly life-threatening health problem. This threat is particularly high for those who have chicken pox, influenza (the influenza), or any other type of viral infection.
However, there is an item for kids called Children’s Pepto. It does not contain bismuth subsalicylate and therefore does not bring the exact same threat as Pepto-Bismol. Children’s Pepto is designed to deal with heartburn and upset stomach in children.
Does Pepto-Bismol Really Expire?
Possibly it gets less efficient, however the armed force has actually done studies that showed drugs are just as effective even a decade after the expiration date offered by maker, except for a couple of uncommon cases (not pepto-bismol).
How to Take Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol is an oral medication that can be found in liquid, tablet, or chewable type. Follow the directions and dosing suggestions on the item packaging thoroughly. You do not require to take the medication with food. Do not take Pepto-Bismol for more than 2 days. Be sure to drink lots of water while taking Pepto-Bismol to replace fluid lost from diarrhea episodes.
You ought to call your medical professional right away and stop taking Pepto-Bismol if you experience:
- Ringing in the ears.
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.
- Severe throwing up.
- High fever.
- Any signs of an allergic reaction.
If you think you have taken an overdose or are experiencing any serious symptoms, seek immediate attention by calling an ambulance.
