Generally, taking Pepto-Bismol to settle your stomach isn’t harmful. As long as you follow proper dosing instructions on the label, it’s considered safe.
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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
Additionally, there are some side effects of Pepto-Bismol itself to consider. In some people, even one dose of Pepto can cause mild nausea, a bitter taste in the mouth, a black tongue, and black stool.
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“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.)
In rare cases, excessive doses (more than the label says) of bismuth salicylate can cause toxicity, with symptoms including the following:
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- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Impaired cognition
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
If you experience any of the above symptoms after taking too much Pepto-Bismol, call your doctor and visit the nearest emergency room for medical attention.
