What happens if Pepto-Bismol doesn't work for diarrhea?

Talk with your doctor
Also call your doctor if Pepto-Bismol doesn't ease your symptoms after 2 days.


What if I still have diarrhea after taking Pepto-Bismol?

So, if you experience any side effects at all, you should stop using Pepto-Bismol. If you experience diarrhea after starting the medication, it's best to stay well hydrated. The darkening of the tongue or stool is harmless and will resolve on its own within a few days of stopping Pepto-Bismol.

How long does it take Pepto-Bismol to stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol should work within 30 to 60 minutes. You can have another dose after 30 to 60 minutes, if you need to. You can take up to 8 doses in 24 hours.


What's better than Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?

Having Imodium (Loperamide) on hand to relieve your symptoms can be a life-saver. Relieves heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can help for many stomach and intestinal problems, but may take longer to work compared to some other anti-diarrheal medicines.

How many doses of Pepto does it take to stop diarrhea?

For diarrhea or upset stomach: Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablets every half-hour to one hour.


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Is Pepto-Bismol or Imodium better for diarrhea?

The rest of their drug action differs, however. Imodium A-D slows the movement of fluids through your intestine and reduces the frequency and volume of your stools. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, reduces inflammation of your intestines and kills bacteria that cause diarrhea.

How long should you wait between doses of Pepto-Bismol?

No matter which tummy trouble you're experiencing, you should take 1 dose of Pepto Bismol every half hour to hour until you feel better, but do not take more than 8 doses in a 24-hour period.

What is the strongest medicine for diarrhea?

What Are the Best Over-the-Counter Anti-Diarrhea Medicines?
  • Imodium A-D (loperamide) can help you have fewer bowel movements and might shorten your bout of diarrhea. ...
  • Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate both contain bismuth subsalicylate. ...
  • Probiotics might be helpful in treating diarrhea.


What instantly helps with diarrhea?

Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively. The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function.

What medicine calms down diarrhea?

Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways: Loperamide (Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.

Will Pepto-Bismol stop watery diarrhea?

Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol are effective and convenient treatment options for diarrhea in adults. They can help to lower the frequency of watery and loose stools. And Pepto-Bismol can provide relief for an upset stomach, too.


What causes diarrhea like water?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.

How many days should diarrhea last?

Treating diarrhoea

In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more.

When Pepto-Bismol doesn't work?

Talk with your doctor

Also call your doctor if Pepto-Bismol doesn't ease your symptoms after 2 days.


What happens if you take too much Pepto-Bismol at once?

What happens if I overdose on Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate)? Overdose symptoms may include weakness, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable, problems with balance or coordination, confusion, tremors, or jerky muscle movements.

Can I lay down after taking Pepto-Bismol?

Take tablet or capsule forms of this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Also, do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine. This helps to prevent irritation that may lead to trouble in swallowing.

How do you force diarrhea out?

Try an over-the-counter laxative.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (a.k.a. MiraLAX) is made up of compounds that are not digestible and not absorbable—which means they cause a diarrheal effect, says Dr. Lee. At lower doses, it can help prevent constipation, and at higher doses, it can induce diarrhea.


What causes explosive diarrhea?

Share on Pinterest Causes of explosive diarrhea can include viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies. The viruses most often responsible for diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, or any number of the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. This condition is what many people call the “stomach flu.”

Can you poop in your sleep if you have diarrhea?

Overview. Experiencing diarrhea at night can be concerning and unpleasant. Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery bowel movements. Nocturnal diarrhea occurs at night and commonly wakes you from sleep.

Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.


What happens if Imodium doesn't work?

If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. And drinking plenty of water can help ease constipation. However, if you have constipation that doesn't improve after a few days, see your doctor.

Should you drink water after taking Pepto-Bismol?

If you're taking Pepto-Bismol for diarrhoea, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

What not to take with Pepto-Bismol?

Do not take other painkillers, like ibuprofen or aspirin, with Pepto-Bismol without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This could cause side effects.


What happens if IMODIUM doesn't stop diarrhea?

Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day.

Should I take IMODIUM for diarrhea or let it run its course?

It's best to treat it early. Although acute diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a few days, you can get relief faster with IMODIUM products. IMODIUM products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide which works to help restore your body's natural rhythm so you can start to feel like yourself again.