Answers to questions for all occasions

How long does Pepto Bismol make your stool black?

Dark colored / black stools are a common side effect and can last for several days after you stop taking Pepto–Bismol. This is not a serious side effect. Give it a few more days and it should disappear.

Why does Pepto Bismol turn your poop black?

Drugs for upset stomach like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto–Bismol and Kaopectate) contain bismuth to calm your belly. Bismuth can turn your tongue and poop black. This symptom is harmless.

Can Pepto Bismol cause blood in stool?

Heavy or rapid bleeding in the upper GI tract can cause bright red stools. Eating black licorice, lead, iron pills, bismuth medicines like Pepto–Bismol, or blueberries can also cause black stools.

When should you worry about black stool?

Black stool can be caused by a serious or life-threatening disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as a bleeding ulcer. It is important to contact your health care provider if you develop black stools, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, or a color change in your stools.

What is black stools a sign of?

Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. The term melena is used to describe this finding.

What are side effects of Pepto Bismol?

Pepto–Bismol can cause you to have a black or darkened tongue. This is a harmless side effect. Common side effects include: constipation; or.

Pepto-Bismol side effects

• changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting;
• hearing loss or ringing in your ears;
• diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; or.
• worsened stomach symptoms.

How long does black stool last?

Its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, can cause your stool to turn black or gray. This side effect is harmless and temporary. Your stool color should return to normal within a couple days after you stop taking Pepto Bismol.

Does Pepto Bismol kill bacteria?

Pepto–Bismol, on the other hand, reduces inflammation of your intestines and kills bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Is dark poop bad?

Black stools are a worrisome symptom because it may be due to a large amount of bleeding into the digestive system, most often from the upper GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Red blood cells are broken down by digestive enzymes in the intestine and turn the stool black.

Why is Pepto Bismol bad for you?

Pepto Bismol is considered to be quite safe for short-term use by adults and children who are age 12 or over. When used properly, the only side effect may be a temporary and harmless blackening of the tongue or of the stool. 1 In some cases, the medication may work too well, with constipation as a result.

What exactly does Pepto Bismol do?

About Pepto–Bismol

This medicine is used for heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and feeling sick (nausea). It works by protecting your stomach and the lower part of your food pipe from stomach acid. It is also a mild antacid, which helps reduce excess stomach acid and eases any discomfort.

Does Pepto Bismol help with gas and bloating?

Pepto–Bismol can treat acid indigestion, which includes symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. In addition, Pepto–Bismol can treat traveler’s diarrhea and occasional diarrhea, as well as peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori.

What does unhealthy poop look like?

Types of abnormal poop

pooping too often (more than three times daily) not pooping often enough (less than three times a week) excessive straining when pooping. poop that is colored red, black, green, yellow, or white.

Can IBS cause black stool?

Indigestion affects up to 70% of people with IBS, however, it is not a symptom of IBS. Signs and symptoms that are NOT IBS, but should still be brought to the attention of a health-care professional since they may be signs and symptoms of other conditions include: Blood in stools or urine. Black or tarry stools.

Does the color of your poop mean anything?

Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool.