Pepto-Bismol
helps relieve several digestive issues that pregnant and breastfeeding women
often experience, including gas, heartburn, and nausea.
Many women may be aware that they
should avoid taking Pepto-Bismol during pregnancy, but what about while
breastfeeding?
It is unclear whether Pepto-Bismol is safe to take while breastfeeding,
but most experts recommend avoiding it. Read on to learn more.
Is it safe?
Breastfeeding women should use alternatives to Pepto-Bismol.
Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, a type of
salicylate. Aspirin's other name is acetylsalicylic acid, which is
another type of salicylate.
Researchers are unsure if bismuth subsalicylate passes into a woman's
breast milk. Other types of salicylates, including aspirin, do enter the breast
milk, and they can have harmful effects on a developing baby.
Some research into aspirin
use reports that serum levels of salicylates in breastfeeding infants can reach
approximately 40 percent of the dose taken by the woman.
As a result, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommend that doctors use caution when
recommending medications containing salicylates to breastfeeding women.
The National
Institutes of Health in the United States suggest that
breastfeeding women use alternatives to Pepto-Bismol because the active
ingredient may pass into breast milk.
Risks
The risks of using Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding are not
well-documented. However, in very rare cases, salicylates have been linked to
Reye's syndrome in children.
Reye's syndrome is a severe and potentially fatal condition that causes
swelling of the brain and liver.
Due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, experts
recommend that breastfeeding women seek alternatives to
medications that contain salicylate, such as Pepto-Bismol.
Other risks associated with Pepto-Bismol use include:
·
a
black, hairy appearance to the tongue
·
black
stool
These effects are temporary and go away within a few days of stopping use.
In rare cases, Peptol-Bismol can cause ringing in the ears. If a person
experiences this side effect, they should stop taking the medication and see a
doctor immediately.
Also, Pepto-Bismol may interact with other medications, such as:
·
angiotensin
converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors
·
aspirin
and other types of salicylate
·
blood
thinners
·
diabetes medications
·
gout medications
·
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs
·
some
antiseizure drugs
·
some
medications for irritable bowel syndrome
·
tetracycline antibiotics
Speak to a doctor before taking Pepto-Bismol, especially if pregnant,
breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Alternatives
to Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding
Some home remedies and medications can
safely treat digestive problems while breastfeeding.
Treating diarrhea
Staying hydrated is
essential for women experiencing diarrhea while breastfeeding.
Diarrhea usually clears up within a few days without
treatment. To reduce symptoms and discomfort during this time, a person should:
Stay hydrated
Diarrhea causes the body to lose fluid. Staying hydrated is essential
while breastfeeding because dehydration can reduce the milk supply.
To replace any lost fluids, drink plenty of liquids. Healthful options
include:
·
water
·
diluted
fruit juices
·
clear
broths
·
rehydrating
solutions
·
isotonic
drinks, which include many sports drinks
Avoid problematic foods
Some foods can make diarrhea worse. These trigger foods vary from person
to person, but some of the most common culprits include:
·
fatty
foods
·
fried
foods
·
spicy
meals
·
dairy
products
See a doctor
If diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, see a doctor. They can help
determine the cause and provide treatment options.
A doctor may recommend a medication that contains loperamide, such as
Imodium, Maalox Antidiarrheal, or Pepto Diarrhea Control. These are generally
safe to take while breastfeeding.
However, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any antidiarrheal
preparation, including Pepto-Bismol.
Treating nausea
Some women experience nausea while breastfeeding. It may result from
hormonal changes, mild dehydration, or low blood sugar.
To treat nausea at home, it can help to try:
·
drinking ginger or peppermint tea
·
taking vitamin B6 supplements
·
wearing
antinausea or seasickness bands on the wrists
·
drinking
plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
·
eating
frequent, nutritious meals to avoid low blood sugar
Treating acid reflux or heartburn
Sleeping on the left side of the body may help
relieve heartburn.
Lifestyle changes can often provide significant relief from heartburn. These are also the safest options for pregnant and
breastfeeding women.
If home remedies do not work, a doctor can recommend safe medications.
Lifestyle changes
To alleviate heartburn and acid reflux,
a breastfeeding woman can try:
·
eating
several small meals a day, instead of three large ones
·
drinking
water between meals, rather than with meals
·
chewing
food thoroughly
·
not
eating for 2–3 hours before bed.
·
avoiding
fatty, spicy, or acidic foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and caffeine
·
not
lying down during or after meals
·
going
for a light stroll after eating to encourage digestion
·
ensuring
that clothing is loose around the stomach
·
sleeping
on the left side of the body
·
elevating
the head with pillows or bed risers
Medication
Some heartburn medicines may be safe to use while breastfeeding,
including:
·
cimetidine
(Tagamet)
·
famotidine
(Pepcid)
·
nizatidine
(Axid)
·
omeprazole
(Prilosec)
·
ranitidine
(Zantac)
When to see a doctor
Breastfeeding women who are experiencing heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, or
other digestive complaints should contact a doctor for advice and treatment.
It is also essential to ask a doctor about the safety of any medication,
including Pepto-Bismol, while breastfeeding.
If the doctor advises against using one medication, they can recommend
others or drug-free treatments.
Takeaway
The available research suggests that Pepto-Bismol is not safe to take
while breastfeeding. While there is no conclusive evidence that bismuth
subsalicylate passes to the infant through breast milk, other salicylates do.
As a result, most authoritative organizations recommend avoiding
salicylates while breastfeeding.
Alternative treatments are available to relieve digestive issues in
breastfeeding women. For further information, speak with a doctor or
pharmacist.
No comments:
Post a Comment