My Dr just suggested I take it to help me feel better while the ulcer heals.
Pepto-Bismol - Why does the label now say not to take it if you have an ulcer?
Question posted by Honeysuckle588 on 17 Aug 2011
Last updated on 6 December 2017
Answers
Pepto Bismol has a salicylate drug similar to aspirin. It can worsen ulcers the way aspirin can. I wouldnt take it if I had an ulcer and I'm surprised your Dr suggested it!! You would be better off taking something like Gaviscon liquid (my favorite for this kind of drug) or Mylanta or Maaloxx. Those will help coat the stomach and soothe while reducing acid so your ulcer can heal. there are also drugs like Prilosec or Pepcid OTC that can reduce acid in pill form to help an ulcer heal.
Graviscon is one a highly recommended over-the-counter liquid that is perfect for any forms of stomach issues. I have GERD and I had an ulcer at one point and Graviscon helped wonders.
The salicylate in bismuth subsalicylate does not have the same effect as the formulation in aspirin. Bismuth subsalicylate is a well know anti-emetic used long before the modern blockers were even discovered. Severe cases of H. Pylori infections that cause ulcers are treated with a combination of Bismuth subsalicylate and ranitidine liquid to help ulcers heal quicker. I would suggest that you query a more appropriate source when seeking confirmation or more information. NIH collects studies, complications, complaints, and recalls of medications.
I would have to agree with you on some level that you should not take pepto while suspecting an ulcer is present. There is likely a reason why they warn not to take it right on the bottle if you have an ulcer.
Why I beleive this... I changed jobs, had a lot going on in my life, had previously had the "pains" of a stomach ulcer but would drink some water and eventually symptoms would cease... During the time I had began having severe pain in my stomach, I thought it was just the stomach flue. I was well educated on the "reduction of sympathetic response" and stress reduction, yada yada yada, but the pain was so bad and I needed a quick fix. I overlooked the warning on the bottle. I was surprised I felt no relief shortly after use, then around an hour later woke up with even more severe pain, got up to go to the bathroom and my stool was black.
It actually relieved my stomach pains , weird, as I had been feeling it for awhile. But becareful of those ppis, especially if you take any acid reducers long-term, it was really hard for me, even to stop, since I didn't know what else to help heal, but I'm starting to figure it all out now.
And some doctors have no idea how it's going to be, nor even consider anything, not even a warning.
I guess and suppose not every prescription works for just anybody either.
.. or any condition.
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