Can Kids Take Pepto Bismol

Pepto Bismol is a medicine used to cure acid reflux, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, or indigestion. It is very effective for the stomach and the lower part of the stomach where the food pipe is and protects them from stomach acid. It also reduces excess stomach acid and calms down all their discomfort. Pepto bismol is a mild antacid.

Things to take note of before using Pepto Bismol are

According to research, if you are allergic to the medicine or have other health-related situations, it is best to stay away from Pepto Bismol

• stools that are bloody or very black
• If you have a stomach ulcer stay away from Pepto Bismol, except the doctor prescribes it for you to use for quadruple therapy.
• if you have issues that make you bleed often
• When you are allergic to salicylates such as salflex, aspirin, Doan’s extra strength, triclosan, etc.

Can Kids Take Pepto Bismol

It is not advisable to give kids or teenagers this drug even if they are down with flu symptoms, chickenpox, or fever. Salicylates are a harmful sickness that can cause fatal situations or lead to Reye’s syndrome in kids. Talk to your medical doctor or go to a pharmacist where they can prescribe a medicine that is good for children to use when they have;

• Running fever
• Constant stooling or mucus

It is most important to talk to your doctor before using it when you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, so you don’t just assume it is fine to use then put yourself and the baby at risk afterward.

This medicine is only safe for children above the age of 12 and above, do not give this to kids below 12 years without a proper prescription from your doctor. The ingredient in this medicine is very dangerous for little children. However, children below 2 to 11 can use the Pepto kids medicine. It is a formulated option for children.

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Reasons why kids should not use it

It effectively treats sicknesses like nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, and excessive gas release. A major ingredient the medicine has, which is called bismuth subsalicylate gotten from a copied form of aspirin which brings Reye syndrome to children.

This syndrome is usually rare but has the power to give serious sickness that can shorten the life span, which doctors are yet to understand. It mostly affects the liver and the brain of children.

Reye syndrome most times comes up when the medicine has cured the viral infection of the body and signs of recovery are manifesting. And it suddenly strikes the body system with consistent vomiting within every hour of three days straight.

It makes them feel sleepy or lethargic, which later switches to anger, delirium, or agitation. Afterward, the child might start feeling confused, and if this syndrome does not quickly get cured, it proceeds to allow them to go into a coma, have seizes, or die.

So, therefore, it is strongly advised that this medicine or any drug with aspirin is not given to children or teenagers even when they have influenza, chickenpox, or viral illness. The proper way to use it;

Open up to your doctor or pharmacist to let them know if you are on any special diet like a low sugar or low sodium. To ensure this medicine is effective and safe after use, please follow instructions from the doctor. As the prescription is, if you are doing self-medication, be nice enough to follow that guide of the manufacturer on the pack.

Using it to treat diarrhea:

Make use to replace all lost fluid you’ve lost in your body, ensure you have a proper and balanced diet. It is advised to take a lot of water or clear liquids such as decaffeinated tea, gelatin, ginger ale, broth, and decaffeinated cola on the first day.

You can also eat bland foods like bread, cooked cereals, applesauce, and crackers. But stay away from foods like spicy or fried foods, alcoholic beverages, fruits, bran, vegetables, candy, and caffeine. All these can worsen your diarrhea.

A serious condition might develop in the body if a lot of fluid is lost because of the diarrhea sickness. See your doctor immediately if you get these signs o to feel you’ve lost a lot of fluid in the body;

• The mouth suddenly get dried
• Less amount of urine
• Very wrinkled skin
• Feeling Light head and dizzy
• Dried throat and very thirsty

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The oral suspension can be used by taking a dosing cup with the prescribed measurement. If you are not certain of how much you should take, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The oral tablets can be used by swallowing it with the support of water, do not get tempted to chew or crush it.

There are chewable tablets that can be used by chewing it up and allowing it to mash up in your mouth completely before you swallow it. The prescription dose of this medicine is different for patients;

However, it is advised, as said before you, to follow your doctor’s prescription or the manufacturer’s guide. Below is some information for the average dose. However, if you have a dose different from the one listed, do not change it; it is best to stick to the one your doctor advises you to use

The prescription depends on the strength and effect of the medicine. Several times you use it within 24 hours, and the time intervals between each usage and the duration of time for you to use it also depends on the problem you are treating or using it for.

• For stomach upset or diarrhea, use the oral form dosage:

Teenagers and adults should take at least two full tablespoons within every half or one hour, depending on how serious the situation is. However, do not use more than 15 to 16 full spoons of the regular-strength suspension or 8 full spoons of the concentrated one within a day. Children below 12 years should not use this medicine at all.

• For stomach upset or diarrhea, using the oral form dosage (chewable tablets or tablets):

Teenagers and adults should use two full spoon doses within half or one hour; not more than 15 to 16 spoons should be used within a day. This medicine is not good for children below 12 years.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

When you miss a dose within the day, take it instantly but if you are close to the time you take the next dose, forget the one you skipped and continue with the regular dose routine. So you can avoid doubling your dose.

Kindly note that it is best to keep the medicine in a covered container and put it in a room with a cool temperature but do not let it freeze, preventing it from getting in contact with direct light, moisture, or heat. Keep it far away from kids and trash it if it is expired or no need anymore.

Wrapping It Up

In summary, this medicine has content or ingredient harmful to kids and can cause difficult life-threatening situations. It is best never to give them use no matter the sickness they feel. Always use as prescribed by your doctor.

However, it understands how you feel sympathy for your children when they are in pain, and you want them to feel better as quickly as you can. Please don’t give them Pepto Bismol if they are below 12. Having stomach upset is regular with kids.

Better still, try other remedies to ease the pain they are feeling, do not think twice before reaching out to your doctor so they can guide you through.