Flatulence is passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage. It’s more commonly known as “passing wind”. Flatulence is a normal biological process and is something everyone experiences regularly. Typically, people pass gas 5–15 times per day. Dietary changes, altering eating patterns, identifying food intolerances and some medications can all help prevent excessive flatulence.
Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual or eating food that’s difficult to digest. It can also be related to an underlying health problem affecting the digestive system, such as recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What is Pepto-Bismol?
Pepto-Bismol is a brand of bismuth subsalicylate, a medication used for heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and feeling sick (nausea). According to a study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology , bismuth only has antidiarrheal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in the body. It works by protecting your stomach and the lower part of your food pipe from stomach acid. It is also a mild antacid, which helps reduce excess stomach acid and eases any discomfort.
In some cases, and always under a doctor’s guidance, people may use Pepto Bismol and other drugs to help treat infections caused by the bacteria H. pylori and symptoms that arise from them. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend it to treat symptoms of chronic digestive disorders.
Some people also find the antibacterial effects of Pepto Bismol useful when traveling to unfamiliar areas where the local bacteria may infect their digestive system and cause traveler’s diarrhea.
No one should self-diagnose an underlying issue and use Pepto Bismol to treat it. Anyone whose symptoms get worse or last more than 2 days should contact a doctor for a full diagnosis.
Pepto-Bismol comes as tablets and a liquid that you drink. You can only buy it from pharmacies.
Does Pepto Bismol Help With Gas?
Yes, Pepto Bismol can provide effective relief from symptoms of flatulence. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported that bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol provided a significantly superior relief from symptoms of flatulence nausea, sense of fullness, heartburn, eructation, and stomach pain.
Can I take Pepto Bismol for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
No, Pepto-Bismol is not recommended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because research has shown that although it can help slow diarrhea, it does not help with other IBS symptoms like belly pain or swelling.
Probiotics can effectively treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) unless you also suffer from small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you have SIBO, probiotics may worsen your digestive discomfort. If you test negative for SIBO, probiotics are an excellent treatment option for IBS.
How should I take Pepto-Bismol?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Pepto-Bismol.
Anyone taking Pepto Bismol to treat occasional digestive symptoms should follow the instructions on the label.
The original liquid Pepto Bismol includes a 30 milliliter (ml) cup, which is one dose, delivering 525 milligrams (mg) of bismuth subsalicylate. The Pepto Bismol website recommends taking:
- One 30 ml dose every 30 minutes as needed for stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion
- One 30 ml dose every 30 minutes or two doses every hour for diarrhea or traveler’s diarrhea
It also warns not to take more than eight doses in 24 hours.
When using the original chewable tablets, one dose is two tablets. The recommended dose is:
- Two tablets every 30 minutes or four tablets every hour for diarrhea
- Two tablets every 30 minutes for stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion
Similarly, do not take more than eight doses (16 tablets) in 24 hours.
Pepto Bismol Extra Strength is a more concentrated liquid but delivers the same amount of active ingredient per recommended dose — 525 mg of bismuth subsalicylate in 15 ml of liquid.
For children under the age of 12, use children’s versions of similar medications or talk to a doctor before using Pepto Bismol.
Do not take more than 8 doses in one day (24 hours). Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of using Pepto-Bismol.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Pepto-Bismol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
