Everybody encounters digestive concerns sometimes. If looking to store in a medicine cabinet with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for infrequent manifestations like diarrhea and vomiting, you might be contemplating Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
Facts About Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol can aid relieve diarrhea, distressed stomach, and other digestive concerns. It is a well-known over-the-counter treatment used for treating digestive aches.
It is used to medicate diarrhea and calm manifestations of a distressed stomach, such as:
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Belching
- A feeling of fullness
The lively content in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, which belongs to a class of medications known as salicylates.
Pepto-Bismol comes in numerous forms, containing regular strength caplets, chewable tablets, and liquid. It is also available in maximum strength as a liquid and caplet. All forms are taken orally.
How Safe Is Pepto Bismol for Children?
Kids and stomachaches often go close. Sometimes you know the triggers (like sneaking ice cream), and other times it's a mystery. It might be enticing to take Pepto-Bismol from the medicine cabinet, but contemplate twice before providing it to kids.
Most Pepto-Bismol products, like the Original Liquid, are only harmless for those 12 and older due to contents that can be dangerous to kids and teens, especially if recuperating from chickenpox or flu.
For kids ages 2-11, there's a specially formulated choice called Pepto Kids. However, these treatments are not always needed for medicating kids' manifestations.
Pepto-Bismol can aid with distressed stomach, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Its primary ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, which the FDA has recommended against for children under 12 since 2003.
This ingredient is a form of aspirin, which can cause Reye's syndrome in children-an uncommon but severe disease influencing the brain and liver, often related to aspirin use during aggressive diseases.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Reye's syndrome commonly emerges after a child starts recuperating from an aggressive disease, then unexpectedly starts vomiting regularly, becomes lethargic, and can advance to shaking, delirium, and confusion.
If not treated, it can result in convulsions, coma, or demise. The AAP firmly suggests against providing aspirin or any aspirin-containing treatment to kids or teens with aggressive diseases, specifically chickenpox or influenza.
Pepto Kids Chewable Tablets are Safe for Children Aged 2-11
To address these concerns, Pepto-Bismol produced Pepto Kids, a chewable version harmless for kids aged 2-11, using calcium carbonate rather than bismuth subsalicylate, removing the danger of Reye's syndrome. Pepto Kids can treat distressed stomachs, indigestion, and nausea.
Always check the dosage data based on the child's weight and age, and consider asking a pediatrician before giving any over-the-counter treatment to children, as it might not be needed.
Other cures for children's stomach concerns include:
- Giving more fluids like water or rehydration drinks such as Pedialyte to hinder dehydration.
- Guaranteeing the child gets more rest and wakes up periodically to drink fluids.
- Preventing high-fat and high-sugar foods that could exacerbate digestive concerns.
- Feeding little amounts of easily admissible foods until normal eating can resume.
Most stomach issues are solved on their own but contact a doctor if you observe dehydration, high fever, serious gastrointestinal manifestations, bloody stool or vomit, or continuous stomach pain. These manifestations could signify a more severe concern.
Related Article: When to Consider Pepto Bismol for Your Child's Stomach Ache
