Pepto Bismol and Alcohol: Medicine for Nausea and Upset Stomach

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.


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.

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for Accredited Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? Or Mental Health Support?

Even if you have failed previously, relapsed, or are in a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. Call us when you feel ready or want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7

  Pepto 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.

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.
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.
Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.

Hotline (877) 378-4154

Alcohol 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.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.

Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

15+

Years of Unified Experience

100s

5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers

10K

Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network

  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Onsite Medical Detox Center
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events

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
Pepto Bismol and Alcohol Withdrawal

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.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.

CALL (877) 378-4154

End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.

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.

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers various recovery programs at each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You

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.

.

Find A Treatment Center Near Me

Understanding people giving support to depressed man at group therapy session

Level Up Treatment Centers has multiple treatment facilities that offer a wide range of care options for drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Sometimes the best addiction treatment center near me isn’t actually the best treatment center for you. We want to place you where you can get the treatment options that best suit your needs and circumstances. We pair you with the treatment professionals that are the best fit for your journey. 

Don’t see the state you live in on the list below? That’s okay! We are proud to serve people from around the United States and beyond who are seeking addiction treatment. For some individuals, finding an out-of-state rehab center is the best option. Whether you are from California to Texas or New Jersey to Florida, we are here to help you find recovery. Our holistic approach to recovery will help you heal your mind, body, and soul. Get started on your journey to a better life.

Search Drug & Alcohol Rehab / Detox & Mental Health Topics & Resources
Sources

[1]“Bismuth Subsalicylate”MedlinePlusNational Institutes of Health.[2]Sainsbury SJ (December 1991). “Fatal salicylate toxicity from bismuth subsalicylate”The Western Journal of Medicine155 (6): 637–9. PMC 1003120PMID 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.