Can Pepto-Bismol Make You Poop or Help With Constipation?

Key takeaways:

• Pepto-Bismol (bismuth salicylate) is an over-the-counter medication that treats gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and abdominal pain.
• Pepto-Bismol is not a laxative and does not typically help with constipation.
• Instead, it has constipating effects, including the withdrawal of water from the gut, which makes stool harder.

Pepto-Bismol is the brand name of bismuth salicylate. It comes in chewable tablets and as a liquid suspension. You may recall the familiar bright pink medicine cabinet favorite as an over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and similar symptoms. But does Pepto-Bismol make you poop? In most cases, the answer is “probably not.”

Constipation is a condition where a person passes less than three bowel movements a week or has stool that’s difficult to pass. Because Pepto-Bismol is an antidiarrheal medication, it usually doesn’t help with constipation.

Still, its properties may help relieve gastrointestinal distress for some people, making it easier to go to the bathroom without discomfort. Let’s take a closer look at how and why Pepto-Bismol works the way it does.

Does Pepto-Bismol (bismuth salicylate) help with constipation?

Pepto-Bismol is used to treat diarrhea, not constipation. It’s an anti-inflammatory agent that works in the gut to block the action of chemicals called prostaglandins. It also:

• Decreases intestinal muscle contractions
• Increases water reabsorption in the intestine to make your poop smoother
• Reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the gut

Treating constipation is not an intended use of Pepto-Bismol, but its effects may sometimes help with gastrointestinal symptoms related to constipation or discomfort.

Does Pepto-Bismol cause more frequent bowel movements?

Pepto-Bismol is used to treat diarrhea. That means it’s unlikely to increase the frequency of your bowel movements. In fact, this type of medication is more likely to cause constipation, not increased frequency.

How long it takes for Pepto-Bismol to affect bowel movements

Pepto-Bismol takes effect on your digestive tract in approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

It may continue to affect your bowel movements for several hours after ingestion. If the medication does not relieve your symptoms, check the package label before taking another dose.

Choosing the right medication for digestive health

Choosing the right medication to improve your digestion depends upon your symptoms. It is essential to read the label carefully before taking over-the-counter medications, whether you’re using Pepto-Bismol or something else.

Let’s explore some of the most common medications used to treat digestive health symptoms, including constipation.

Antidiarrheal agents

These are medications that help reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea. Popular examples include:

• Pepto-Bismol: An antidiarrheal medication for treating diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. It has anti-bacterial, antacid, anti-inflammatory, and antisecretory effects. Pepto-Bismol coats the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus. It is also sold as Kaopectate®.
• Loperamide: An antidiarrheal medication sold without a prescription under the brand name of Imodium®.

Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications

These medications may help with health concerns related to constipation by decreasing nausea and vomiting:

• Dramamine® (Dimenhydrinate): An antihistamine that helps prevent and treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It works by blocking natural substances in the body that cause these symptoms. It comes in the original formula, which may cause drowsiness and less drowsy formula options.
• Emetrol: Combines fructose and phosphoric acid to help calm the stomach and reduce nausea and vomiting. It works differently from antihistamines and does not cause drowsiness. This option is particularly helpful for nausea from gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or overeating.
• Bonine (Meclizine): Another antihistamine that prevents and treats motion sickness symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It typically causes less drowsiness than other medications and lasts longer, requiring only one daily dose.

Heartburn and acid reflux treatments

In cases where gastrointestinal distress and discomfort are due to acid reflux, medications like these might be useful:

• Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox): These medications neutralize your stomach acid, which relieves heartburn symptoms. They contain different combinations of calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide. They are best for occasional heartburn. You can take them as needed.
• H2 Blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet): These medications reduce acid production by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach. They provide longer-lasting relief than antacids but take longer to start working. H2 blockers are good for frequent heartburn. You can take these preventatively.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec OTC, Nexium): PPIs provide the most potent acid reduction by blocking acid pumps in the stomach lining. They are best for frequent heartburn and GERD, but you should only use them short-term unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Gastrointestinal motility drugs

Motility describes an object or organism’s ability to move independently by using metabolic energy. So, medications that target gastrointestinal motility impact how food and other substances move through the GI tract.

Reglan is a prescription medication that improves upper digestive tract motility. It helps with gastroparesis, acid reflux, and diabetic stomach problems by:

• Speeding up stomach emptying
• Reducing nausea and vomiting
• Improving reflux symptoms
• Helping medications move through the digestive system

Reglan® requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that help maintain a healthy digestive system. They exist in both food sources and supplements.

Common probiotic supplements include:

• Culturelle (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG)
• Align (Bifidobacterium longum 35624)
• Florastor (Saccharomyces boulardii)
• VSL#3 (combination of multiple strains)

These supplements can help reduce symptoms associated with diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. They also support general digestive health and immune system function.

Probiotics also occur naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, and miso.

It’s important to discuss probiotics with your healthcare provider before you start using them, especially if you take other medications. Probiotics are generally considered safe, but their effectiveness varies by the individual and the condition.

Read our guides on how to encourage bowel movements and foods that can help you pass a bowel movement for more.

When to see a doctor about infrequent bowel movements or constipation

Although occasional constipation often resolves with hydration, some symptoms should prompt concern. You can make an appointment to see your doctor within a couple of days for some symptoms. Other symptoms are a reason to seek emergency care.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your constipation lasts longer than a week or two.
• You have unexplained weight loss.
• Your constipation is new, and you haven't changed your diet or lifestyle.
• Your poop has changed significantly in size, shape, color, or consistency.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience severe pain with bowel movements.
• You have been unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
• You have blood in your stool.

Questions to ask your doctor about infrequent bowel movements or constipation

• Are there foods or medications I should avoid to prevent constipation?
• Are there foods or medicines that can help me maintain regular bowel movements?
• Are there any side effects of Pepto-Bismol?
• Can I take Pepto-Bismol if I am pregnant?

Frequently asked questions: Pepto-Bismol and bowel movements

If you are thinking of taking Pepto-Bismol, here are some questions other people frequently ask about this medicine:

Is Pepto-Bismol a laxative?

Pepto-Bismol® is not a laxative. It tends to have a constipating effect and is used to treat diarrhea.

Can Pepto-Bismol give you diarrhea?

In vast amounts, Pepto-Bismol can give you diarrhea. When you use the medication as directed, though, it should help stop diarrhea.

Takeaway: Pepto-Bismol and its effects on constipation and diarrhea

Pepto-Bismol® treats diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and upset stomach. Do not take it if you are constipated. Pepto-Bismol reduces secretions in the stomach, helps good gut bacteria, and reduces inflammation. If you’re experiencing constipation, your symptoms may resolve on their own within a few days. If they persist or worsen, talk to your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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MedlinePlus. “Bismuth Subsalicylate.” National Library of Medicine, 2024, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607040.html.

El-Salhy, Magdy, et al. “Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Interaction with Gut Microbiota and Gut Hormones.” Nutrients vol. 11,8 1824. 7 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11081824, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31394793/.

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Senderovich, Helen, and Megan Vierhout. “Is There a Role for Bismuth in Diarrhea Management?.” Rambam Maimonides medical journal vol. 12,1 e0002. 19 Jan. 2021, doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10422, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7835118/.