Can I Take Pepto Bismol While Nursing What Medicine Can I Take While Breast Feeding
It is a tricky one because there is no snore-white answer. Even though Pepto-Bismol is a drug that can be purchased over the counter, therefore questioning its safety during pregnancy or nursing is still appropriate.
According to American Family Physician's 2014 review, you should avoid taking Pepto-Bismol during your pregnancy's second and third trimesters. But read on to discover if you can take Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding.
It is advised because making sure increases your risk of bleeding problems when you take it closer to delivery.
What Is Pepto-Bismol?
The ingredient active in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is an over-the-counter medication that is widely available. Pepto-Bismol is used to treat digestive upset.
It can also relieve nausea, upset stomach, diarrhoea, and indigestion. It is suggested to work by decreasing intestinal inflammation and reducing the flow of excess fluids and electrolytes into your bowels.
Pepto-Bismol can be taken in three forms, a swallow-able pill, a chewable pill, or a liquid form. Talking to a healthcare provider before taking Pepto-Bismol is always important because some ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
Essentially, Pepto-Bismol should not be taken by anyone allergic to salicylates or aspirin. People with medical conditions like bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, or anyone recently ill with a viral infection should avoid it.
Is It Safe To Use Pepto-Bismol During Pregnancy?
Pepto-Bismol does its job by reducing inflammation of the stomach lining, which may help to relieve an upset stomach.
Even though Pepto-Bismol is shown not to be harmful to most people, scientists are not sure if it is safe to take it during pregnancy.
There is little evidence that Pepto-Bismol causes harmful side effects during pregnancy, though more research is necessary to certify its safety.
The primary concern that has to do with taking any medication during pregnancy is the unavailability of research on its safety. This lack is because it is not ethical to carry out drug tests on pregnant women due to the possible risks to the woman and baby.
For this reason, many doctors restrict the use of Pepto-Bismol during delivery. Therefore, for this reason, doctors restrict the use of Pepto-Bismol during the third stage, as they want to minimize any bleeding risks during delivery.
Is It Safe to Take Pepto-Bismol While Breastfeeding?
While there is little data available on the safety of Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding, the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol (salicylates) has been seen to be unsafe for babies or children to ingest. Experts do not recommend the use of it while breastfeeding.
Controversy exists over the safety of taking it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
A government-sponsored website " Lactmed ," which compiles data on the safety of medications while breastfeeding, passed the message this way:
"No published information was found concerning the use of bismuth subsalicylate during breastfeeding."
Lactmed also added that because there is a possibility that babies could take in salicylates through breast milk, it is best to look for alternative treatments.
When Can You Resume Using Pepto–Bismol?
Because the side effects in infants are unknown and the lack of data available, it has been best to desist from taking Pepto-Bismol until you are done with breastfeeding.
In addition, you should also be sure that you have not taken in for pregnancy at this time or expect to take in in the nearest future, as there are no studies approving the recommendation of Pepto-Bismol for pregnant individuals either.
You can return to taking Pepto-Bismol when you have met the above criteria. But do not, of course, forget that you should speak to a healthcare provider before taking any medication at all, most specifically if you have never taken it before.
Does Pepto-Bismol Expire And Can I Take Expired Pepto-Bismol?
Just like most medicines, Pepto-Bismol, because of a change in the chemical composition or reduction in the strength, is less potent and can be hazardous after the expiration date.
It's best to discard expired medicines as the manufacturers do not guarantee the quality or efficacy of medicines past their expiry date.
A less potent Pepto-Bismol is likely to have no effect on diarrhoea or reducing symptoms in the case of stomach upset.
If you discover that your Pepto-Bismol has crossed its expiry date, don't make use of it.
Safe Pepto-Bismol Alternatives During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
It can be disappointing and heartbreaking to know that a medication you want to take is not within the safe limits for you and your baby while breastfeeding, especially when you are looking for a possible escape from uncomfortable symptoms.
Knowing there are practical and breastfeeding-friendly alternatives to Pepto-Bismol is excellent.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms a person is experiencing.
Some lifestyle changes to reduce upset stomach, nausea, and heartburn can include:
- avoiding foods that trigger upset stomach symptoms, such as spicy foods or caffeinated beverages
- eating several small meals a day instead of large meals
- choosing bland foods that help upset stomachs, such as ginger ale or plain crackers
- elevating the head of the bed with pillows or a foam wedge when resting or sleeping
- not eating for 3 hours before bed
It is also essential for people to stay hydrated if they experience diarrhoea. Drinking clear liquids and eating a bland diet can help while diarrhoea resolves.
People should contact a healthcare provider for possible prescription medications and treatments if diarrhoea does not go away after a few days.
Natural Remedies
Many natural remedies can assist with your digestive symptoms and are safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding, like peppermint or ginger tea to decrease your indigestion and stomach upset.
Ginger can be beneficial in treating nausea associated with digestive issues. Apart from drinking ginger tea, you can consume bits of raw or cooked ginger or try some ginger chews.
Conclusion
Although Pepto Bismol should be avoided when breastfeeding your child, some excellent drugs and treatments are breastfeeding-friendly. So, there is hope at the end of the tunnel, and you should soon be able to feel like yourself again.
As always, if you have any questions regarding taking medicine while nursing or would like more information on managing your digestive issues, don't hesitate to get in touch with your healthcare provider.
Source: https://healthvisio.com/health/can-you-take-pepto-bismol-while-breastfeeding/
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