Pepto bismol side effects

Pepto bismol side effects

A popular over the counter drug, Pepto bismol’s side effects are usually harmless when observed in a timely manner. Pepto bismol is widely popular for treating symptoms like nausea, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea and any other related acute symptoms making your stomach upset. Pepto bismol side effects can be common and usually harmless for our organism but they can be sometimes serious and in this case you should definitely see a health care professional. Using pepto bisimol you can easily prevent intestinal inflammation while intestinal electrolyte movement can be significantly reduced. Pepto bisimol is an antidiarrheal medication which can be very useful in embarrassing situations.

Also, bear in mind that Pepto bismol is only recommended to humans and not for pets. In case your pet develops symptoms like nausea, heartburn, indigestion or diarrhea, consult your vet for further instructions. Under no circumstances are you allowed to administrate Pepto bismol to your pet.

You can find Pepto bismol as chewable tablets, suspension or syrup. The following list of side effects is not exhaustive and it is highly recommended that you contact your health care specialist every time you feel uncomfortable using any kind of Pepto bismol.

Why Pepto bisimol darkens my tongue and stool?

One of the common Pepto bisimol side effects is black or darkened tongue or stool. The explanation is quite simple and this side effect is harmless if the symptom disappears in three to five days. The darkened tongue or stool is commonly due to an ingredient contained by Pepto bisimol: bismuth sulfide. Bismuth sulfide is a black colored substance which in interaction with sulfur traces from your gastro- intestinal tract or saliva gives this darkened color to your tongue or / and stool. This side effect is usually temporary and harmless to your body and if you discontinue Pepto bisimol the symptoms will just disappear. In case the symptoms continue to be present after 5 days, it is highly recommended to see a health care professional.

Constipation – a common Pepto bismol side effect

Usually harmless for adults, Pepto bismol can cause severe constipation in children less than 12 years old. This side effect does not have serious consequences if you stop administrating the medicine right away. However, if constipation still persists, after 3 to 5 days after you stopped using Pepto bismol, then it’s time you see your health care professional. As a preventive measure, make sure you drink a lot of fluids while using Pepto bismol so that fluids lost by your organism as a cause of diarrhea to be naturally replaced. It is also very important not to use Pepto bismol for children who have just passed a flu or chicken pox.

Why do I hear a strange ringing in my ears?

Tinnitus or this strange ringing in your ears is a serious side effect of Pepto bismol. In this case an appointment to your health care professional is really critical. Also, in this case, performing an audiometric test is absolutely necessary. Moreover hearing loss is an alarming sign that your body does not accept of Pepto bismol and it’s time for a visit to your health care professional.

Diarrhea and stomach pains

Another Pepto bismol side effect may be diarrhea and stomach pain that lasts more than two days. In this case Pepto bismol may be useless for your medical condition. Make sure you call your health care professional and describe all these symptoms. Vomit that looks like coffee grounds is another alarming sign that your body is losing blood. Tarry, black or bloody stools represent another sign that your organism is in a critical situation and you have to contact your health care specialist at once. All thse symptoms are usually accompanied by persistent abdominal or stomach pain.

Other serious Pepto bismol side effects

Anxiety, difficulty in breathing normally, itching or rash swelling sensations or dizziness can be serious Pepto bismol side effects and you should immediately inform your health care professional about all these symptoms. These symptoms are usually signs that your body is not comfortable with Pepto bismol and you should stop its administration immediately. All these symptoms also indicate the fact that you might be allergic to some substances Pepto bismol contains.

Reye's syndrome and Pepto bismol side effects

Reye's syndrome is only theoretically associated with Pepto bismol side effects. Reye’s syndrome is a rare disease affecting the brain and liver of the patient and causing severe low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. For children recovering from flu or chicken pox, use of Pepto bismol is absolutely prohibited. In case of severe nausea and vomiting, call your health care professional and make sure your child is under supervision all the time.

Dehydration – a serious Pepto bismol side effect

Dehydration is a serious Pepto bismol side effect and you should immediately call your health care specialist if dehydration symptoms occur during Pepto bismol administration. Dehydration usually manifests by dry mouth sensation, thirst sensation, decreased urination, lightheadedness, dizziness and fast heartbeats. These symptoms are really serious and if you cannot find your health care specialist’s contacts rapidly, you can definitely call the emergency line.

Pepto bismol side effects – result of medication incompatibility

Pepto bismol contains amounts of bismuth subsalicylate. In case you have allergy to medicines like salicylates, aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen or celecoxib you should not use Pepto bismol. Bleeding issues like hemophilia are also signs that before taking Pepto bismol the pharmacist’s opinion or your health care professionals have to be taken into account. PKU or phenylketonuria ( lack of enzymes to metabolize phenylalanine to tyrosine) can produce brain damage if specific medication is combined with Pepto bismol.

Pepto bismol side effects – pregnancy

Due to salicylate content, Pepto bismol is not recommended during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Also it is not recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it could lead to delivery / labor complications and it could be harmful to the unborn baby. If you are breast – feeding, consult your professional health care before using Pepto bismol.

In any case, before using Pepto bismol make sure you read carefully the product label and instructions. If you have doubts as concerning Pepto bismol side effects, just contact your pharmacist or your health care professional before use.