Pepto-Bismol
Meaning of Pepto-Bismol: Bismuth subsalicylate is marketed as Pepto-Bismol, an over the counter medication used to relieve upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.
Definition of Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol is a brand name for bismuth subsalicylate, an over the counter medication taken by mouth to relieve symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. It combines a bismuth compound with salicylate, a chemical relative of aspirin.
Bismuth subsalicylate is thought to work through several actions, including a coating effect on the lining of the stomach and intestine, mild antimicrobial activity against certain organisms that cause diarrhea, and a modest anti-inflammatory effect from its salicylate component.
A well recognized and harmless side effect of bismuth subsalicylate is temporary darkening of the tongue or stool, caused by a reaction between the bismuth and sulfur compounds in the digestive tract, and this change resolves once the medication is stopped.
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Used in a sentence
The patient was taking an over the counter bismuth subsalicylate product for symptoms of an upset stomach.
Good to know
The dark stool or tongue that can follow bismuth subsalicylate use is a harmless chemical reaction and can be mistaken for a more concerning finding, such as blood in the stool, if the cause is not recognized.