Is Pepto Bismol An Antacid?

Is Pepto Bismol An Antacid? Almost everyone knows about Pepto Bismol. After all, it’s one of the most commonly used medications out there. Plus, it’s suitable for both young and old, though there are restrictions.

Regardless, it’s apparent that Pepto Bismol is the go-to solution for many people who experience certain conditions. Be that as it may, not everyone knows the true nature of this drug, such as how it works and it’s chemical composition. But, if you’re one of the few curious ones, you’ve probably asked questions concerning the drug, including whether it’s an antacid or not.

This article aims to answer that question and more as you find out several things about the famous drug Pepto Bismol, antacids, and their correlation with each other.

What Is Pepto Bismol?

Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter medication with bismuth subsalicylate as its main ingredient. The drug or, more specifically, the component, helps with issues such as indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn, among many things. It does this by protecting the lower part of your esophagus as well as your stomach from acid. The drug may come in two forms: (1) liquid and (2) tablet. In spite of its popularity, you can only get a Pepto Bismol from pharmacies.

Take note that Pepto Bismol is just one brand of bismuth subsalicylate. You can also find drugs with similar effects, as long as their active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate.

What Can You Consider As An Antacid?

An antacid is any medication that can neutralize or counteract stomach acid. These drugs often come in tablet or liquid form, and they often assist with issues like acid reflux and indigestion.

However, take note that antacids are for relieving the symptoms of the problem for a few hours. It doesn’t resolve the underlying issue, so you shouldn’t treat it as an absolute remedy.

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Is Pepto Bismol An Antacid?

Now, here’s the answer to the question— Yes, Pepto Bismol is an antacid. One, it protects your lower esophagus and stomach from acid, so it can technically counteract stomach acid. Two, it comes in liquid and tablet form. Three, Pepto Bismol can minimize the symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux, and other stomach problems.

Lastly, Pepto Bismol doesn’t completely treat the issues mentioned above. It only acts as a temporary solution, much like any antacids you’ll find in pharmacies and convenience stores.

Take note that though Pepto Bismol counts as an antacid, it’s of the mild variety. Apart from that, the drug also has a few differences from the typical antacid, particularly its side effects.

Side Effects Of Pepto Bismol

Much like any type of drug, antacids may lead to side effects on rare occasions. These side effects include diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, stomach cramps, and flatulence. Similarly, Pepto Bismol rarely causes any side effects, and it often occurs if you don’t follow the instructions carefully. But, if there are side effects, it’s usually one of the following:

  • Feeling of sickness
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden fatigue

As you can see, Pepto Bismol’s side effects are different from the typical antacid. The main reason for this is that it’s a mild antacid, as stated earlier. Hence, it doesn’t cause side effects that are usually caused by antacids. Another unique side effect of Pepto Bismol is that it turns your tongue and poop black as a result of bismuth combining with the Sulphur in your saliva.

Can Children Take Pepto Bismol?

As you may already know, most antacids aren’t suitable for children younger than 12 years old. Kids who ingest this type of drug usually experience constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset.

The same applies to Pepto Bismol as only those over 16 years old can take it. However, the drug has a variant explicitly for children—Pepto Kids—and it’s suitable for kids aged 2 to 12 years. This might be one of the main reasons the Pepto Bismol line of products is quite popular. Nevertheless, it’s still advisable to consult your doctor before administering the drug.

When Should You Not Take Pepto Bismol?

As stated earlier, unless you’re 16 years old or older, you should be able to take Pepto Bismol. In the case of children, Pepto Kids should be suitable. However, there are cases wherein the medication results in an adverse effect upon ingestion. The following are some examples of these instances:

  • You’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
  • You’re allergic to drugs similar to Pepto-Bismol.
  • You have an allergy to amaranth (a coloring found in liquid Pepto-Bismol).
  • You’re suffering from a condition that affects blood clotting.
  • You have gout, diabetes, or phenylketonuria.

Conclusion

Anyone may have heard of Pepto Bismol, at least, once. It’s an incredibly popular medication due to its convenient effects. But, in spite of its popularity, not many people know what Pepto Bismol really is, so it’s only natural to have questions about the drug.

One particular question that comes to mind: Is Pepto Bismol an antacid? As you now know the answer to that question, you should be able to utilize the medication more appropriately.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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