How Bad Is It Really to Take Pepto-Bismol Every Day?

Pepto-Bismol can be just the thing to make a short-lived stomach bug or upset stomach more manageable.

But if you're relying on the pink liquid to keep gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in check more often than not, is that a problem?

Here, learn if it's bad to take Pepto-Bismol every day, how much is ‌too much‌, and when to see your doctor for GI issues that won't go away.

• ‌Bismuth This chemical element works as an antiseptic to help fight off diarrhea caused by stomach bugs. "Most acute cases of diarrhea are caused by a short-lived bacterial or viral infection in the GI tract," says Aditya Sreenivasan, MD, a gastroenterologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Your body usually does a good job of clearing these infections within 24 to 72 hours, but bismuth can help shorten the length of symptoms," he adds. Bismuth also directly curbs diarrhea by reducing the amount of liquid secreted by the small intestine and increasing water absorption in the colon, making stools firmer.
• ‌Subsalicylate‌ This anti-inflammatory works a lot like aspirin. "It helps improve cramps and abdominal pain," Dr. Sreenivasan says.

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That said, a daily dose of Pepto may not be the best idea for a few reasons.

1. It Could Mask a Larger Problem

If you find yourself needing to take bismuth subsalicyate for more than a few days, "it's likely you have an underlying issue that needs the attention of a doctor and some more definitive treatment," Sreenivasan says.

You could be dealing with stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or gallbladder or bile duct issues, he says. The only way to know for sure, though, is to see your doctor.

2. Large Doses Can Be Dangerous

"These aren't dangerous," Sreenivasan says, but can definitely be alarming if you're not expecting them. (You can avoid the black tongue by brushing your teeth and tongue well after each dose, especially if you take a dose before going to sleep.)

• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy
• Impaired cognition
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Who Should Not Take Pepto-Bismol?

• Persistent vomiting
• Personality changes like irritability or combativeness
• Disorientation or confusion
• Convulsions

• You have a bleeding disorder.
• You have a GI condition that already causes black or bloody stools.
• You're taking certain medications like anticoagulants (blood thinners), sulfinpyrazone (for gout), probenecid or methotrexate (for arthritis).

So, How Often Should You Take Pepto-Bismol?

For healthy adults and teenagers who have stomach discomfort or diarrhea, the usual dose is 2 tablespoons (tbsp) every half hour to 1 hour if needed. You should not take more than 16 tbsp of the regular-strength suspension or 8 tbsp of the concentrate in 24 hours.

Fortunately, Pepto-Bismol isn't the only remedy for an upset stomach.

1. Give Your Stomach a Break

2. Apply Some Gentle Heat

Sometimes, a hot water bottle or heating pad placed over your stomach can be enough to ease abdominal cramping caused by gas, diarrhea, and GI upset.

3. Try an Herbal Remedy

Ginger and peppermint tea can quell a queasy stomach. And herbs like licorice (which can be found in tea blends) could even help reduce gas.

The Takeaway

• Pepto-bismol is a brand name for bismuth subsalicylate, an over-the-counter medication used to treat stomach upset.
• Taking Pepto-Bismol for a few days in a row, or even a week, likely won't hurt you, but if you need it ‌every day‌ for long stretches of time, you may have an underlying gastrointestinal issue that needs to be addressed.
• Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your Pepto-Bismol use.
• Visit your doctor or the nearest emergency room if you experience other GI symptoms (regardless of whether you take Pepto-Bismol or not), including abdominal pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting; blood in your stool, urine, or vomit; abdominal swelling or tenderness; pain throughout your body or shortness of breath.