HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Not sure if i have the stomach flu or the indian food i ate didn't sit right. can i use pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) to help?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sure, no harm there.: If it's food related there may be associated diarrhea, and will be limited to 12-18 hrs. Try to stay hydrated. Either way it should be self limited. Of course, if symptoms worsen or persist more than 2-3 days, i suggest you contact your provider. Good luck.

Answered 2/15/2014

4.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Hi! I have recently been vomitting up stomach vile (maybe for the past week) and it's not stopping. Can I take pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) for it?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I gave my 8 year old a half dose of pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) caplets for an upset stomach is that dose ok for him?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

My wife is having continuous stomach cramps for about 4 hrs. She has used pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) without success. She has not vomited. She is not nauseous.

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

My 79 yr old father keeps having stomach pains for the past 2 weeks. He says it keeps growling. He's eaten and taken pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and still the same.?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Can you give a 5yr old pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) he has a stomach ache and has thrown up twice

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

What to do if i had pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and I have stomach flu will i get reye's syndrome ?
Throwing up and can't keep down liquids, how to be able to keep liquids down? Been 2 1/2 days tried thera flu, pepto bismol, (bismuth subsalicylate) tea, water. A piece of fruit.
I feel like the pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) didn't help in any way for my indigestion and heart burn. I think my stomach hurts worse. Is there a reaction going on?
Im having bad stomach pains after taking to many ibuprofens and i took pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) but it doesnt seem to work.how long should it take to work?
Would it be ok to give my 4 year old pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)? if not what would you recommend I give him for an upset stomach/stomach pain?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.