Pepto Bismol & Absorption Question

 Some days I have a real upset stomach and/or diarrhea, so I end up taking Pepto Bismol or one of those other liquid "stomach aids" during the day ..   When I'm doing that, I worry whether these aids might be blocking or somehow interfering with my absorption of my supplements or meds (high blood pressure, pain killers, etc.) taken during that time  ..     Anyone know whether this is the case or not?

I can't answer your question about whether pepto bismol blocks absorption of other meds, but I do know that it and other medicines which contain salicylates (hope I spelled that correctly) are on my no-no list from my clinic, since they cause gastrointestinal upset and bleeding.  I'm sure occasional use wouldn't be problematic, but regular use would be.  I know opinions vary, but I think most bariatric surgeons pretty much advise their patients that NSAIDS are a thing of the past for them.  It might be safer to take an acid blocker like pepcid. Just my $.02 worth. Dan

Pepto Bismol contains bismuth subsalicyclate.  It works well (in very large doses) to help control turista and other forms of infectious diarrhea.  The bismuth ion is used as part of "triple therapy" to help eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the gut, though a salt other than salicylate is preferred. People don't realize that the salicylate component is nothing more than yet another NSAID; the very agents RNYers are warned against, and that therapeutic doses of Pepto Bismol easily approach or exceed recommended doses of non-acetylated salicylates (i.e., other than aspirin) used for pain relief. People who have had the DS surgery may not have to be as careful with NSAIDs, but since you also mentioned high blood pressure meds, NSAIDs can interfere with the actions of many blood pressure lowering drugs.  Whether that causes a problem for you, I dunno. I wouldn't take it at the same time as calcium, iron or (if you were taking any) thyroid medications.  In fact, it's probably best to not take it within two hours of any dietary supplements, if you take it at all. Hope this helps, Steve

I don't know what the rule is for DS but as a RNYer I was told not to take Pepto.   To be honest I really haven't ever needed it.  I haven't had heartburn even once since surgery and that's what I mainly took it for. 

Very good question and thus far, good info in the replies. I agree that occasional - VERY OCCASIONAL - use is doubtful to create problems, but in the grander scheme Pepto should be avoided.   And yes, it is very possible that the Pepto could block absorbtion of anything else.  That in mind, I would probably wait an hour or so before and after on taking any other meds/supplements.  Also, the bismuth ion will change your pH as will your calcium supplement.  This combined effect could actually WORSEN any loose stools you have as a result of your body adapting to the change in your chemistry and trying to self regulate.   Additionally, as was already stated, any NSAID or relative drug can interfere with the action of your BP meds resulting in a new batch of problems. Above all, use caution and call your doctor or surgery coordinator and get some "offical" input on the subject.

Here's a site with a long list of salicylate-containing substances/ products:

http://salicylatesensitivity.com/salicylate-free-products/#c on