Can You Take Pepto-Bismol With Tylenol?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol.
Is it okay to use Pepto-Bismol and Tylenol together? Thanks!
Jul 08, 2022- Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol are safe to take together with no drug interaction between them. Pepto-Bismol contains a derivative of aspirin and should not be combined with blood thinners. Tylenol can be toxic to the liver at higher than recommended doses and should not be taken with other drugs that affect the liver.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! We're always more than happy to answer drug interaction questions.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Pepto-Bismol are considered safe to take with each other. There is no drug interaction between them.
Now, even though these two drugs are available over the counter, that doesn't mean they don't have their fair share of interactions with other drugs.
Pepto-Bismol for example contains a derivative of aspirin (bismuth subsalicylate), and shouldn't be taken with blood thinners. Tylenol is well known to be toxic to the liver at higher than recommended doses, and shouldn't be taken with drugs that can affect the liver as well.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, these two drugs are safe to combine.
About Tylenol
Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations (shots), and to reduce fever. It may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints).
Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
About Pepto Bismol
Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, reducing inflammation within the intestine, and may kill the organisms that can cause diarrhea.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out and we hope to hear from you again soon!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Drug interaction
- A change in how a medication works when taken with another drug, which could be harmful or reduce effectiveness.
- Acetaminophen
- An over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol.
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol that treats diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach.
- Blood thinners
- Medications that reduce the blood's ability to clot and are used to prevent dangerous blood clots.
- Analgesics
- Medications that relieve pain.
- Antipyretics
- Medications that reduce fever.
- Antidiarrheal agents
- Medications used to treat and stop diarrhea.
- Electrolytes
- Minerals in the body like sodium and potassium that are important for proper body function.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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