Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter medication often used to treat symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The active ingredient in Pepto Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. This ingredient helps coat the stomach lining, absorb toxins from bacteria or viruses that cause food poisoning, and slows down diarrhea and intestinal cramping. For many people, Pepto Bismol can provide relief from the unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms caused by food poisoning. However, it does not treat the underlying cause of the illness.
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning occurs when you ingest food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins. There are more than 250 different foodborne diseases caused by a variety of pathogens. Some of the most common causes of food poisoning include:
- Salmonella – Caused by the salmonella bacteria often found in undercooked or raw poultry, eggs, meat and unwashed produce.
- E. coli – Caused by the E. coli bacteria which can contaminate undercooked hamburger meat, unpasteurized milk and juice, raw fruits and vegetables.
- Campylobacter – Caused by campylobacter bacteria found in undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy products and contaminated water.
- Listeria – Caused by listeria monocytogenes bacteria found in deli meats, hot dogs, soft cheeses and raw sprouts.
- Vibrio – Caused by vibrio bacteria often found in undercooked shellfish such as oysters.
- Norovirus – Highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person-to-person or through contaminated food.
These and other pathogens can enter the food supply at any point from the farm to the table. Poor food handling practices, improper cooking temperatures, and unsanitary conditions greatly increase the risk of contamination and foodborne illness.
Common symptoms of food poisoning
While symptoms can vary depending on the specific pathogen, typical signs of food poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Symptoms can start anywhere from 1-3 days after ingesting contaminated food or drink. Most cases of food poisoning are acute, meaning they start abruptly, last for a short time (24-48 hours), and improve with minimal treatment. However, certain pathogens like listeria or e. coli can cause more severe illness that may require hospitalization.
At-risk groups like young children, the elderly, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant women are more prone to developing dangerous complications from foodborne illnesses.
How Pepto-Bismol can help treat food poisoning symptoms
While it does not kill the bacteria, viruses or other pathogens causing food poisoning, Pepto-Bismol can help manage many of the unpleasant digestive symptoms. The bismuth subsalicylate compound works in several ways:
- Coats the irritated stomach lining to provide protective barrier from toxins
- Absorbs toxins released from pathogens
- Reduces inflammation in gastrointestinal tract
- Slows motility in intestines to control diarrhea
- Relieves discomfort and cramping in stomach and intestines
The combination of these actions makes Pepto-Bismol an effective OTC option to help control the bothersome nausea, diarrhea and cramps caused by food poisoning. It can provide relief as your body clears the contaminant naturally.
Relieves nausea and vomiting
One of the most prominent symptoms of food poisoning is nausea and vomiting. By coating and soothing the irritated stomach lining, Pepto-Bismol can calm nausea and help control vomiting episodes. This allows you to rest, rehydrate and recover.
Lessens diarrhea
Severe diarrhea is a common result of foodborne pathogens. Frequent loose stools can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto-Bismol slows down hyperactive intestines to reduce the number of diarrheal episodes. This helps prevent dangerous fluid loss.
Eases stomach cramps and pain
Abdominal cramping is another hallmark of food poisoning. Bacteria and toxins irritate the intestinal tract resulting in painful muscle contractions. By coating and soothing the inflamed lining, Pepto-Bismol can make stomach cramps less intense and frequent.
Allows rest and recovery
When suffering from acute food poisoning, rest is important to allow your body to fight off the infection. By controlling the bothersome symptoms, Pepto-Bismol enables your body to rest, rehydrate, and restore its balance. This aids the recovery process.
So while Pepto-Bismol will not kill salmonella, e.coli or other pathogens, it can help manage the unpleasant digestive symptoms these contaminants cause until your body clears the infection on its own. This makes it a helpful supportive treatment. However, it should never be used in place of medical care for severe cases.
Dosage guidelines
Pepto-Bismol can be used by both adults and children over 12 years old. For adults and teens over 16 years, the FDA recommends:
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) after every loose stool
- Do not exceed 8 doses (16 tablespoons or 240 mL) in 24 hours
- Stop use after 2 days and consult a doctor if symptoms persist
For children 12-16 years old:
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) after every loose stool
- Do not exceed 8 doses (8 tablespoons or 120 mL) in 24 hours
- Stop use after 2 days and call a doctor if symptoms persist
Pepto-Bismol should not be used in children under 12. It is also not recommended for those with ulcers, gout, gallbladder disorders, kidney disease or aspirin sensitivity. Rarely, it can cause serious side effects like black stools, confusion, vomiting blood, or worsening diarrhea. Seek medical care if any concerning or severe symptoms develop.
When to see a doctor
Mild cases of food poisoning often resolve on their own within 48 hours. However, immediately contact a doctor if you experience:
- Blood in stools or vomit
- Inability to keep liquids down for 8 hours
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
- High fever over 101 F
- Confusion or disorientation
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Dark urine or little urination
These can be signs of a more serious illness that requires medical treatment. At risk groups should also not wait and see if symptoms worsen. It’s important to call a doctor when concerning symptoms first appear.
Other helpful tips for food poisoning recovery
Along with Pepto-Bismol, try these home remedies to help you feel better:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids – broth, water, herbal tea, diluted fruit juices. Avoid milk which can worsen diarrhea.
- Eat bland, easy to digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast when able to keep food down.
- Avoid fatty, sugary, spicy or heavy foods until stomach settles.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on abdomen for cramp relief.
- Sanitize areas thoroughly if vomiting or diarrhea occurred. Wash hands frequently to prevent spread.
- Avoid anti-diarrheal medication as they can prolong illness.
Most cases of food poisoning run their course in a day or two. Seek medical treatment immediately if severe symptoms arise. With rest and supportive care, you should make a full recovery.
Summary
Pepto-Bismol can be an effective OTC treatment to help manage the unpleasant symptoms of food poisoning like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. By coating and soothing the irritated gastrointestinal tract, it can provide relief as your body clears the contaminant naturally. However, Pepto-Bismol will not cure the underlying infection. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or persist longer than 48 hours. With proper rest, hydration and care, mild food poisoning often resolves on its own.
| Cause | Common Sources | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonella | Raw poultry, eggs, meat | 6-72 hours after ingesting | 4-7 days |
| E.coli | Undercooked beef, contaminated produce | 1-8 days after ingesting | 5-10 days |
| Campylobacter | Undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy | 2-5 days after ingesting | 2-10 days |
| Listeria | Deli meats, soft cheeses, raw sprouts | 9-48 hours after ingesting | Variable, can be serious |
| Vibrio | Undercooked shellfish | 1-4 days after ingesting | 2-3 days |
| Norovirus | Contaminated food or infected person | 12-48 hours after exposure | 1-3 days |
Key Points
- Pepto-Bismol can help relieve nausea, diarrhea, cramps from food poisoning but does not treat underlying infection.
- Dosage for adults is 2 tablespoons after loose stools up to 8 doses daily.
- See a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe or persist longer than 48 hours.
- Drink fluids, eat bland foods and get rest to aid recovery from food poisoning.
- Practice good hygiene and food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses.