Which Peptol Bismol Product Is Right for Your Nausea, Diarrhea, and Upset Stomach Symptoms

What do Peptol Bismol products treat?

Pepto Bismol products are usually used to help with nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or diarrhea. The active ingredient in most Pepto Bismol products is bismuth subsalicylate. It seems to work by coating and protecting the inside of your stomach. It also seems to reduce inflammation and can lower the amount of liquid going into your intestines, making your poop less watery. There are two Pepto Bismol products specifically for nausea: one is a dietary supplement containing ginger, and the other uses meclizine to prevent and relieve nausea. Meclizine seems to work by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine. Ginger contains chemicals that may help ease nausea. There are also two children’s Pepto Bismol products for tummy troubles: one is a dietary supplement containing calcium, and another contains calcium carbonate. Calcium antacids neutralize your stomach acid. This helps reduce indigestion, heartburn, and upset or sour stomach. Note: The FDA has not reviewed neem for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here. There are Peptol Bismol products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.

What are the possible side effects of Peptol Bismol products?

Most Pepto Bismol products contain bismuth subsalicylate. Some possible side effects include a harmless dark or black tongue or poop. Since Peptol Bismol products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience. Stop taking Pepto Bismol products that contain bismuth subsalicylate and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following serious side effects.

• Your stomach symptoms get worse instead of better or last longer than two days
• Ringing in your ears or trouble hearing
• You have diarrhea that lasts longer than two days

Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

What should I know before using Peptol Bismol products?

You should not take Pepto Bismol products with bismuth subsalicylate if you have an ulcer, blood in your poop (bright red blood or black poop), or a bleeding problem. These products could make these worse. You should also not take these products if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylate medicines or if you are taking other salicylate medicines such as salsalate. Reye’s Syndrome. Children or teens who have chicken pox, the flu, or flu-like symptoms should not take Pepto Bismol products that contain bismuth subsalicylate. Taking bismuth subsalicylate when you have a viral infection can lead to Reye’s Syndrome. If your child or teenager is taking a Pepto Bismol product containing bismuth subsalicylate and shows signs such as changes in their behavior, nausea, and vomiting, contact your health care provider. Behavior changes, nausea, or vomiting could be early signs of Reye’s Syndrome. Before taking a Pepto Bismol product that contains bismuth subsalicylate, check with your health care provider if any of the following apply to you: Dietary Supplements. The FDA has not tested dietary supplement Pepto Bismol products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here. There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Peptol Bismol product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Finding the right Pepto Bismol product for you

Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea, Gas, or Feeling Too Full (for Ages 12 and Older)

These products contain bismuth subsalicylate.

• Pepto Bismol Caplets
• Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets
• Pepto Chews
• Pepto Bismol Fast Melts
• Pepto Bismol Liquid
• Pepto Bismol Liquicaps
• Pepto Bismol Ultra Caplets
• Pepto Bismol Ultra Liquid
• Pepto Bismol Ultra Liquid With InstaCOOL

Heartburn, Indigestion, Sour or Upset Stomach (for Children)

The main ingredients here are forms of calcium that neutralize stomach acid. Pepto Bismol products are for children as young as 2 years old.

For kids 4 years or older:

• Pepto Bismol Kids Gummies

For kids 2 years or older:

• Pepto Bismol Kids Chewable Tablets

Prevent or Relieve Nausea (for Ages 12 and Older)

These products are specifically for nausea and contain either ginger or meclizine.

• Pepto Nausea Ginger Gummy
• Pepto Nausea Motion Sickness (meclizine)