Pepto Bismol and Alcohol
Pepto-Bismol and Alcohol do not affect the way Pepto-Bismol works. However, drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.
Taking Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Effects
The two are not mutually exclusive. It’s perfectly possible to take Pepto Bismol and drink alcohol at the same time. The body processes Pepto Bismol differently than it processes alcohol, so it will take longer to feel the effects of one or the other, but they both have their own unique side effects—and those side effects can be quite different from each other as well.
Pepto-Bismol isn’t actually a cure for getting drunk; it just masks your symptoms until you sober up again. It does not prevent you from getting drunk in any way, shape, or form.
It’s also possible to take Pepto-Bismol and still pass out from drinking too much alcohol—the side effects of Pepto-Bismol are cumulative, meaning that if you take it after drinking an amount of alcohol that causes you to pass out or be otherwise incapacitated, the chances of passing out again increase significantly due to the fact that you’re taking more than one medicine at once (because it’s a combination drug).
Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Interactions
A lot of the potential interactions between alcohol Pepto Bismol are theoretical. There aren’t a lot of medical reports from people who’ve been harmed by the alcohol-and-Pepto combo. But there also aren’t any studies in the past few decades that show taking Pepto after drinking is beneficial or safe.
On the other hand, Some doctors and patients proved that Pepto Bismol and Alcohol can both cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains. If you’re taking Pepto Bismol with alcohol it’s best to avoid mixing them together as they could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Also, Pepto Bismol and alcohol can cause chest pain (angina) if taken together.
Pepto-Bismol and alcohol have some potential interactions that make most doctors warn against using them at the same time. While you may be able to use both at the same time, Pepto probably won’t help you feel better after drinking or prevent later hangover symptoms. As a result, it’s probably better skipped.
What is Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
Pepto Bismol was first produced over 100 years ago and has been known ever since as the most authorized brand for upset stomachs. In the last century, Pepto Bismol has delivered fast and effective relief from nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea for you, your parents, and maybe even your grandparents.
This prescription is used to treat periodic upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea. It is also used to treat diarrhea and help control travelers’ diarrhea. It works by helping to slow the growth of bacteria that might be causing diarrhea.
This medication is used under a doctor’s recommendation with other prescriptions to treat stomach ulcers caused by a particular bacteria (Helicobacter pylori).
This product should not be used to self-treat diarrhea if you also have a fever or blood/mucus in the stools. These could be indications of a serious health situation. Consult your doctor promptly for proper evaluation and treatment if you have these symptoms.
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- Taking Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Effects
- Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Interactions
- What is Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate)?
- FACT SHEET
- What does Pepto-Bismol use for?
- Pepto Side Effects
- Alcohol and Pepto-Bismol Side Effects
- How long after taking Pepto-Bismol can you drink Alcohol?
- Pepto-Bismol Withdrawal
- Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Withdrawal
- Overdose on Pepto Bismol and Alcohol
- FAQ’s
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) Drug Facts
What is Pepto Bismol made of?
Bismuth subsalicylate is the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol. This medicine is used for heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and feeling sick (nausea).
Ingredients: Active is Bismuth Subsalicylate (526 mg in 30ml dose). Others: Aluminium Magnesium Silicate, Methylcellulose, Methyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Saccharin Sodium Salicylate, Amaranth, and Water.
How to take Pepto-Bismol?
No matter what type of stomach issue you have, you should take 1 dosage of Pepto Bismol every hour or so until you feel better. However, you should not take more than 8 doses in a 24-hour period. We’ll explain what 1 dose of each Pepto Bismol product signifies because dosage varies depending on the product’s composition and shape.
How and when to take Pepto-Bismol
Only take Pepto-Bismol when you need it. You can take it for occasional heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, or feeling sick (nausea).
If your symptoms have not improved within 2 days, speak to your doctor.
If you take too much
Taking too much Pepto-Bismol can increase the risk of side effects, including feeling or being sick, feeling confused, dizzy or tired, deafness, or ringing or buzzing in your ears.
Kinds of Pepto-Bismol
- Pepto Bismol Liquids
- Pepto-Bismol Chews
- Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps
- Pepto-Bismol Kids
Dosage
A single dose of Pepto-Bismol is either:
- 30ml of liquid
- 2 tablets
If you need to, repeat this dose every 30 to 60 minutes. Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours.
How to take it
You can take Pepto-Bismol with or without food.
Chew the tablets or let them dissolve on your tongue.
If you’re taking a liquid, shake the bottle before measuring the recommended dose using the supplied measuring cup. Ask the pharmacist for a cup if you don’t have one. Use just this cup; any other cup will not accurately measure the quantity.
How long to take it for
You can take Pepto-Bismol for up to 2 days. Do not take it for more than 2 days as this will increase your risk of getting side effects.
If your symptoms are not better or are getting worse after 2 days, contact your doctor.
What does Pepto-Bismol use for?
This medication treats nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, and acid reflux (nausea). It functions by shielding the lowest portion of your food pipe from stomach acid. It also functions as a moderate antacid, which lessens excess stomach acid and soothes any pain.
Pepto Side Effects
You’re doubtful to get any side effects from Pepto-Bismol if you follow the instructions for taking it.
One typical side effect is your feces or your tongue turning black. This is harmless.
This occurs when bismuth (the active ingredient in this medicine) arrives into contact with small quantities of sulfur in your saliva and digestive system. They mix to form bismuth sulfide, a black substance. As it slowly makes its way out of your body you may see black feces.
This side effect usually goes out when you stop taking the medication but it may take several days.
If your tongue or your feces is still black after you’ve stopped taking Pepto-Bismol for several days, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you have any other side effects that bother you or do not go away.
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Hotline (877) 378-4154Alcohol and Pepto-Bismol Side Effects
Pepto-Bismol functions are unaffected by alcohol. Alcohol use, however, causes your stomach to create more acid than usual. This may aggravate your symptoms by irritating the lining of your stomach. Alcohol consumption might contribute to more dehydration if you have diarrhea.
How long after taking Pepto-Bismol can you drink Alcohol?
The Pepto-Bismol has a half-life of 21-72 days so it may take a few days for it to completely disappear from your system. The half-life means that after the stated time period, one-half of the substance would remain in your body. Most likely, you will still feel some of the effects for up to 5-7 days.
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Pepto-Bismol Withdrawal
If you’ve ever taken Pepto-Bismol, you know that the taste of the medicine can be a little odd.
The reason for this is that Pepto-Bismol contains an ingredient called sorbitol, which has a sweet taste and is used in foods like chewing gum, candy, and desserts.
Sorbitol withdrawal can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. You may even feel sick to your stomach. The symptoms are often worse on the first few days after stopping Pepto-Bismol and improve with time as your body gets used to not having sorbitol in your system anymore.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after stopping Pepto-Bismol:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol and Pepto Bismol should not be taken together. When these medications are taken together, serious side effects might include ringing in the ears, sluggishness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, unsteadiness, a foggy sensation, loss of focus, diminished attentiveness, and breathing difficulties. In certain instances, these deadly side effects might result in death.
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Overdose on Pepto Bismol and Alcohol
Pepto-Bismol is often mixed with alcohol when people are trying to get drunk. The combination of the two substances can lead to serious side effects, including death. It is also possible to overdose on Pepto-Bismol if too much is consumed at once, even if it’s mixed with alcohol.
There have been reports of people who have overdosed on Pepto Bismol and alcohol by drinking themselves into a coma or passing out after mixing the two together in an attempt to get drunk faster than they normally would have been able to do so on their own.
Pepto Bismol and alcohol overdose is common, most esp among individuals who are heavy drinkers.
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Can you drink alcohol with Pepto Bismol?
Pepto Bismol functions are unaffected by alcohol. Alcohol use, however, causes your stomach to create more acid than usual. This may aggravate your symptoms by irritating the lining of your stomach.
Can I take Pepto Bismol after drinking alcohol?
Pepto Bismol is mainly used to treat nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Pepto Bismol is not specifically a treatment for “hangovers”. With that said, Pepto Bismol can be used for symptoms after “overindulgence in food and drink
Can you mix Pepto Bismol and alcohol?
Alcohol does not affect the way Pepto-Bismol works. However, drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.
Does Pepto Bismol help with alcohol nausea?
Like Tums and Pepto Bismol, over-the-counter antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid to soothe an upset stomach. Taking antacids can also help reduce nausea, heartburn, and indigestion that drinking alcohol can cause.
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Sources
[1]“Bismuth Subsalicylate”. MedlinePlus. National Institutes of Health.[2]Sainsbury SJ (December 1991). “Fatal salicylate toxicity from bismuth subsalicylate”. The Western Journal of Medicine. 155 (6): 637–9. PMC 1003120. PMID 1812638.[4] http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=b8i462.2.2 The trademark was extended to cover the tablets in 1973. Registration No. 0972198], November 6, 1973.[5]The capsules were introduced in 1983. Registration No. 1269605, March 13, 1984; cancelled July 16, 1990. http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=b8i462.2.1.