At Centrum Pharmacy, we know that when your child is unwell, you want relief fast. However, a common and dangerous mistake is reaching for the wrong bottle of Pepto-Bismol. Regular Pepto-Bismol (Liquid or Original) contains bismuth subsalicylate, an ingredient that must be avoided in children under 12.
The Danger of the “Bismuth” Bottle
Regular Pepto-Bismol is chemically related to aspirin. When given to children—especially those with a viral illness like the flu or chickenpox—it can trigger Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition.
The risk of a “wrong bottle” error is high because adult Pepto-Bismol often comes in a liquid form that looks similar to many pediatric medicines.
A Safer Strategy: The Tums Alternative
To virtually eliminate the risk of accidentally giving your child a salicylate-based product, many pharmacists recommend keeping Tums Chewables in your home instead of Pepto Kids.
- Identical Active Ingredient: Pepto Kids and Tums both use calcium carbonate as their active ingredient.
- Mistake Prevention: Unlike the Pepto brand, which has two very different formulas (one safe for kids, one not), Tums does not have a salicylate version. Keeping Tums on hand makes it much harder to grab the “wrong” bottle during a late-night emergency.
- Effective for Stomach Pain: Calcium carbonate is highly effective for relieving upset stomach and acid indigestion in children.
Can Calcium Carbonate Help with Diarrhea?
While Tums is primarily indicated for upset stomach and heartburn, the calcium it contains can have a secondary benefit for diarrhea.
- Slowing the Gut: Calcium carbonate has a known “constipating effect” that can help reduce the water content in stools and slow down bowel movements.
- Hydration First: Despite this effect, the primary treatment for pediatric diarrhea remains oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) to prevent dehydration.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
