What can I do ongoing to help build and maintain a healthy digestive system?
Align® might be for you. Your body needs beneficial bacteria for a number of things, including healthy digestion. But, they are fragile. Common issues such as diet, changes in routine, travel and stress can disrupt your natural balance of good bacteria. Align® is the only product that contains Bifantis®, a probiotic that naturally helps fortify your digestive system with good bacteria to help support your digestive balance and promote overall digestive health.††
I want to promote both my heart health and my digestive health. Is there a product that will help me to do both?
Metamucil® is the only leading fiber supplement brand that has been clinically proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.‡ Plus, Metamucil products add healthy psyllium fiber to your daily diet to help promote digestive health.††
I noticed that Pepto-Bismol sometimes darkens the tongue/stool. Why does this happen and how long does it last?
The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth. When a small amount of bismuth combines with trace amounts of sulfur in your saliva and gastrointestinal tract, a black-colored substance (bismuth sulfide) is formed. This discoloration is temporary and harmless. It can last several days after you stop taking Pepto-Bismol. Individual bowel habits, your age (the intestinal tract slows down with age), and the amount of the product taken all help to determine how long Pepto-Bismol is in your system.
Why is Pepto-Bismol pink?
Originally developed by a doctor in the early 20th century, the "pink stuff" has been treating a variety of stomach symptoms for generations. We´re not exactly sure why this doctor chose pink, but we know that we´re not going to mess with a good thing. Yup, we´ve got you covered.*
Can I use Pepto-Bismol if I am pregnant or nursing?
If you are pregnant or nursing, ask a doctor before taking Pepto-Bismol. As with any drug, read the label thoroughly before use.
Can I use Pepto-Bismol if I have certain gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)?
We recommend that you consult your doctor to determine whether you should use Pepto-Bismol. Your physician knows your medical condition and history best.
Can I refrigerate Pepto-Bismol?
Yes, but it's not necessary. Some people feel refrigerating makes the dose more pleasing to take, and that's OK. However, you shouldn't freeze the product.
When can I take Pepto-Bismol?
When you are experiencing nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or diarrhea. (Use as directed for diarrhea or overindulgence in food or drink. Can relieve traveler's diarrhea, gas, and belching.)
 Back to Top
Should I take Pepto-Bismol with or without food?
Pepto-Bismol can be taken after meals, on either an empty or full stomach. There is no data to suggest Pepto-Bismol would interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
How do I open the bottles of Pepto-Bismol Liquid?
TO OPEN: Lightly squeeze both tabs located on each side of the neck of the package and turn the cap at the SAME time. TO CLOSE: Screw the cap back on (without squeezing the tabs) until it clicks.
Back to Top
What does the label say about Reye's syndrome and bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol?
Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use Pepto-Bismol. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea or vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Back to Top
What do I do if I spill Pepto-Bismol and it leaves a carpet stain?
* For carpet stains, please note: If your carpet has a manufacturer's warranty, you need to contact the manufacturer for its stain removal instructions before you attempt to remove the stain. The manufacturer can refuse to honor the warranty if you use something other than what it recommends.
- Pepto-Bismol Liquid Staining
* If the carpet does not have a stain warranty, proceed with the following recommendations.
- The stain should be treated as promptly as possible.
- The stain should be blotted with a cloth (e.g., a white cotton towel or white paper towel) that has been dipped in warm water (100° F). Continue blotting until the stain is no longer transferring to the cloth. DO NOT RUB STAIN. Rubbing spreads the stain and makes it penetrate deeper into the carpet.
- Any remaining stain should be treated with hydrogen peroxide. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and blot (DO NOT RUB) the area with a clean, white cloth. Rinse cloth often in cool water and continue blotting until no further stain can be removed. Blot dry with a dry cloth (club soda may be used instead of hydrogen peroxide).
** NOTE: Hydrogen peroxide or club soda should be tested in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to be sure the dyes are colorfast.
- Pepto-Bismol Caplet and Tablet Staining
These products are a dry, solid dose form and should not stain fabric unless they become wet. Treatment recommendation is the same as the one used for Pepto-Bismol Liquid.
Is Pepto-Bismol OK for my pet?
Pepto isn't for pets. Consult with your vet for treatment.
Back to Top
Why does the Pepto-Bismol label change from time to time?
Periodically, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may ask manufacturers of drug products to update their label information.
How has the Pepto-Bismol label changed over the years?
The following have been added to the label:
- Consult with a physician or pharmacist if taking medication for treatment of arthritis.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have mucus in stool or a fever.
- Do not use if you have an ulcer or black or bloody stool.
- An allergy alert for salicylates has been added.
- Children's dosing has been removed and has been replaced with direction to ask a doctor before product use for children under 12.
- Additional uses have been added: traveler's diarrhea, gas, belching, and fullness due to overindulgence in food and drink.
Why is Pepto-Bismol no longer recommended for use in children?
As of spring 2004, the FDA required the child dosing directions be removed from the label of all anti-diarrheal products containing bismuth subsalicylate, including Pepto-Bismol. The new dosing directions require that consumers speak with a doctor before giving Pepto-Bismol to children under 12.
I have been giving Pepto-Bismol to my child when he/she had an upset stomach—should I be concerned?
- You should not be concerned if you have used Pepto-Bismol in the past for your children.
In the future, ask your doctor before using Pepto-Bismol in children under 12. You may try Children´s Pepto® Antacid Chewable Tablets with kids over 2 for overindulgence in food and drink.
Back to Top
| 
