Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas?

Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas? Most people would agree that having digestive problems is an inconvenience. After all, it isn’t easy to hold gas in when you’re in public, and the possibility of releasing a rather unpleasant smell might give you anxiety.

Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications available to help you solve that kind of issue, and since they’re fast-acting, you should be good in no time. Among the options you’ll likely find on the shelves is Pepto Bismol. If you’ve never tried it before and are unsure whether it’s worth giving a shot, keep reading.

What Causes Gas?

Flatulence (commonly known as a fart or passing gas) is a common reaction of the body to release excess gas inside the digestive system. For most people, excessive farting in the presence of others is uncomfortable and embarrassing. Furthermore, the person might be made fun of, so it isn’t ideal to pass gas in public.

There are many causes of flatulence. Usually, when you swallow air while smoking, drinking, or even eating, it’ll come out in the form of a burp. Certain foods such as broccoli, potatoes, wheat, corn, noodles, and beans might also make you release gas after the bacteria in your intestine digest them.

Some conditions harm your digestive system. For example, people with lactose intolerance can’t digest lactose fully, resulting in excessive gas. They’re also prone to bloating and diarrhea after consumption of dairy products. The condition is usually harmless, but many individuals find that the symptoms can be challenging to deal with at times.

Other diseases in the digestive tract may also lead to the accumulation of gas. Those are:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Short bowel syndrome
  • Colon cancer
  • Infections in the intestine
  • Diabetes
  • Functional dyspepsia
  • Constipation
  • Celiac disease
  • Eating disorders
  • Gastroparesis
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Peptic ulcer

What Is Pepto Bismol?

Pepto Bismol is one of the most popular treatments for problems associated with the digestive system. It’s an OTC drug with an active ingredient called bismuth subsalicylate, labeled effective and safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

All forms of Pepto Bismol are taken orally. The medication is usually available as chewable tablets, liquid suspension, and caplets, with the first option being weaker in potency than the other two. It works by neutralizing stomach acid, and apart from treating diarrhea, it helps alleviate the symptoms of a stomachache, including:

  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Belching
  • Early satiety (full stomach)
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn

So, How Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas?

Pepto Bismol is a well-known relief for digestive problems, and it’s similar to Imodium. Although it treats diarrhea in a different way compared to that particular brand, a lot of people recommend it for dealing with excessive gas that comes with problems in the digestive tract.

Experts believe that Pepto Bismol effectively treats gas and digestive problems by preventing the bacteria E. coli (Escherichia coli) from producing toxins. It also kills other bacteria that cause diarrhea while preventing inflammation by releasing chemicals called prostaglandins. It also increases the fluid absorption of your intestines, and bismuth subsalicylate, the drug’s active ingredient, helps with an upset stomach, nausea, and heartburn.

This study found that Pepto Bismol reduces gas odor.

Treatment

To prevent dehydration, experts recommend drinking plenty of water to replace the loss of fluid from diarrhea. Pepto Bismol is safe and recommended for children above 12 years old and adults for all digestive problems.

In general, this is the dosage of Pepto Bismol for adults:

  • For chewable tablets
  • Four tablets an hour or two tablets every 30 minutes, and dosage shouldn’t exceed 16 pills a day
  • For caplets
  • Ultra caplets should be taken once every 30 minutes or two caplets an hour. The maximum intake is eight caplets a day.
  • Original caplets should be taken twice every 30 minutes, which is four caplets an hour. The maximum intake is 16 caplets a day.
  • For liquid suspension
  • For Pepto Bismol maximum strength, 15 mL every 30 minutes or 30mL an hour
  • For original strength, the dosage is 30 mL every 30 minutes or 60mL an hour.

The dosage for children is usually the following:

  • One tablet for children under five years old, and it shouldn’t exceed three pills a day
  • Two tablets for six to 11 years old, not exceeding six pills a day
  • Unless recommended by a doctor, it shouldn’t be used for kids under two years old.

What Are The Side Effects?

The side effects of Pepto Bismol are modest and don’t last long. It can make the tongue hairy and black should the bismuth subsalicylate react to sulfur in your saliva, and it may also result in dark stool. If you experience tinnitus (commonly known as ringing in your ears), a rare but still possible side effect or issues persist for more than two days, stop taking the drug and call a health care professional.

Interactions

Various drugs may change the effects of Pepto Bismol and cause harm to an individual. Some examples are:

  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Methotrexate
  • Phenytoin
  • Gout medications
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

The Takeaway

Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter medicine that’s widely used for the relief of diarrhea and other stomach problems. Many people believe it’s ideal for those who pass gas excessively and helps them with the underlying issue. It’s mostly recommended for individuals 12 years old and above and is relatively safe to use.

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