Pepto Bismol can help soothe your insides and help with pain of IBS.

Article by Sian

Disclaimer: This Pepto Bismol review article is a discussion of my personal experiences with this medication.The information provided on this webpage, and throughout this webite is not intended to replace, or to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical doctor.

I am not a qualified healthcare professional. I cannot, and do not encourage the taking of any medications by anyone without them first seeking professional medical advice.

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Pepto Bismol is the brand name of a Proctor and Gamble Limited medicine with the active ingredient of Bismuth subsalicylate. It is marketed as relief for heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, traveller’s diarrhea, gas, belching, and the feeling of bloating or fullness associated with overindulgence.

It comes in caplets, liquid or chewable tablets. It can be purchased at drugstores/pharmacies and also online.

Is it an effective treatment for ibs?
I first tried it as a self-treatment for IBS over fifteen years ago, when I had been suffering with nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea for some days, and asked a pharmacist what they recommended.

Prior to that I had tried such remedies as Kaolin and Morphine (a medicine which is no longer available in the UK due to the latter ingredient of morphine) and plenty of other indigestion remedies, such as Milk of Magnesia.

It is a virulent pink in liquid form and comes with a measuring cup.

The taste reminded me of Germoline, a cream used for cuts and grazes, and was the same color.

One of my cousins, who once tried it, thereafter referred to it as Pepto Abysmal, although the taste did not matter to me. I will try anything to tackle IBS.

Ease
I was surprised to find that it did ease the symptoms, including the nausea and pain. It is said to have a ' protective coating action ', which may account for that.

I found it the most effective in fact, specifically for the nausea and when an attack of IBS hits me very fast, and sees me curled up on the bed, I will immediately do the following:

1) Take a painkiller ( Co-codamol, although I am in fact prescribed Codeine Phosphate for the pain and to help ease diarrhea )

2) Take a dose of Pepto Bismol.

3) Fill a hot water bottle (or hot pad) and put it against my stomach.

4) Lie down until it subsides.

This approach does ease the symptoms, although initially it is agonizing and there is no magic bullet. The operative word here is ' ease ' not ' cure.

Is it suitable for you?
Before buying Pepto Bismol certain allergies and conditions/illnesses have to be taken into account.

Children and teenagers recovering from chicken pox should not be given this product. Within that age group, if nausea or vomiting occurs after ingestion, a GP must be notified as this could be an indication of the rare but serious Reye's Syndrome.

It should not be taken by people allergic to other salicylates (including aspirin) if they have black or bloody stools, mucous in the stools, and a fever. If the symptoms continue, a GP's advice should be sought.

Any-one taking medicines for anticoagulation (thinning the blood), Diabetes, Gout or Arthritis should first seek medical advice before taking it.

It should be noted that taking Pepto Bismol will lead to a darkening of the color of the stool. This is normal and will not last long after the medicine is discontinued.

Regarding the continuance of the symptoms, we know that with IBS they do continue, and that taking Pepto Bismol may ease them but not cure them. It is also common for an IBS sufferer to have mucous in the stools, and I have taken the medication despite the warning.

Conclusion
It has proved effective for me in easing the nausea and pain of my IBS spasms; however, it should not be bought with the expectation that it will provide an instant and magical relief.

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