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Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter drug currently produced by the Procter and Gamble company in the United States of America and in Canada to treat minor digestive system upset. Its active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, The primary symptoms aided by Pepto-Bismol are nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other temporary discomforts of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
Children should not take medication with bismuth subsalicylate while recovering from influenza or chicken pox, as epidemiologic evidence points to an association between the use of salicylate-containing medications during certain viral infections and the onset of Reye's syndrome.[1] For the same reason, it is typically recommended that nursing mothers not use medication containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol) because small amounts of the medication are excreted in breast milk and pose a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome to nursing children.[2]
Pepto-Bismol is made in chewable tablets[3] and swallowable caplets[4], but is best known for its original formula which is a thick liquid. This original formula is a medium pink color with a strong wintergreen flavor. These traits have become generally associated with the medicine to the degree that something may be described as "Pepto-Bismol pink" or as tasting like "Pepto-Bismol".
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Side effects
The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in a severe condition. In older children with diarrhea, medicine for diarrhea may be used, but it is also very important that a sufficient amount of liquids be given to replace the fluid lost by the body. Children are usually more sensitive to the effects of salicylates, especially if they have a fever or have lost large amounts of body fluid because of vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. The bismuth in this medicine may cause severe constipation in children. In addition, Pepto-Bismol should not be used to treat nausea or vomiting in children or teenagers who have or are recovering from the flu or chickenpox.[5]
History
Pepto-Bismol was originally sold as a remedy for infant diarrhea by Norwich Pharmacal Company under the name Bismosal: Mixture Cholera Infantum, changing to Pepto-Bismol in 1919, and transferring to Procter and Gamble with their 1982 acquisition of Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals.
References
- ^ Aspirin or Salicylate-Containing Medications, reyessyndrome.org
- ^ CDC warning about breastfeeding while taking medications
- ^ The trademark was extended to cover the tablets in 1973. Registration No. 0972198, November 6, 1973. http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=b8i462.2.2.
- ^ The capsules were introduced in 1983. Registration No. 1269605, March 13, 1984; cancelled July 16, 1990. http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=b8i462.2.1.
- ^ http://www.drugs.com/cons/pepto-bismol.html
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