OTC medications

[Ed62]

I guess I've always felt that if it's over the counter meds, it's OK to take it. A few days ago, I had been having indigestion for a few days (not typical for me). So I bought some Pepto Bismol. I take an aspirin daily, and after taking 3 doses of Pepto, I decided to read the label (a little late). It states that it should not be taken with other meds in the same family. Aspirin happens to be in that family. But I didn't experience any problems, so I took another dose of Pepto. The next morning I was having internal bleeding. The aspirin and Pepto went on the shelf until I either stopped bleeding or saw a doctor. Since it was the weekend, I opted to wait until this morning to make a doctor's appointment. But the bleeding finally stopped on it's own. I'll stay off the aspirin for a few more days just to be safe. So if you're on daily medication of any kind, check the labels of other meds before taking it.

Ed

[nickg]

Didn't know that!! Always thought Pepto was kind of benign medication - it's been around the house since I was a little kid and I've never read the label. Thanks for the tip!

[big tim]

How did you figure out that you had internal bleeding?
I think you should check with your doctor. The fact that you were troubled by indigestion for a number of days, which as you said was unusual for you, could be a sign of something else going on. Probably nothing to worry about but better save than sorry!
My $0.02 worth.
I am not a doctor, by the way.
All the best.

Tim

[Mildoc]

First, Pepto is bismuth subsalicylate. Aspirin as acetylsalicylic acid. The warning to not combine the two is due to the breakdown product, salicylate, that both form. This can lead to high blood salicylate levels, causing salicylate toxicity, which has many effects, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), loss of hearing, confusion, dizziness, sweating, thirst, severe nausea and/or vomiting, etc.

Salicylism rarely may cause internal bleeding. Very rarely, as a result of continuous use or severe overdose. Pepto is actually part of the treatment, along with antibiotics, for ulcers.

IMHO, a daily aspirin + the few doses of Pepto you took was not the reason for the bleeding. I would immediately be far more concerned re: the "indigestion" you were having.

OTOH, OTC meds are DRUGS, and ALL have potential, severe side effects. Tylenol for example will destroy your liver with an OD. Motrin can wipe out your kidneys.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND FOLLOW THEM!!!!!! Always amazed me that folks think just because it's OTC it's "safe." WRONG!!!!

And see your doc re: your "indigestion" and bleeding. Now.

[All Thumbs]

Just don't overdo it on acetaminophen (Tylenol). That stuff is very hard on the liver. Read-up on acetaminophen overdoses for some scary stuff.

[DaveSur]

One of the side effects listed for Pepto is that it makes your **** black. Did you actually see blood or was it just the color? I took Pepto a few weeks ago and was also concerned until I read about the side effects.

[Ed62]

I did a google search for possible effects on the combination of Pepto and aspirin. Don't know where I saw it, but bleeding was one symptom listed. Probably not good info, as i've been told since that Pepto causes black stools. So it probably wasn't bleeding, even though I thought it was.

But it might still be a good idea to read labels before taking anything.

Ed

[jackellis]

My brother has two chronic diseases and takes several handfuls (not kidding) of pills every day. Several years ago there was an adverse drug interaction that caused dilantin levels in his blood to reach a toxic threshold, made him euphoric, and may have caused some paranoia. He figured out the problem himself and asked (told) the doctor for a blood test to confirm his hunch.

I don't like to take anything other than aspirin, and even then only for a very specific reason (sinus headaches). I just agreed to start a low dose of statins for cholesterol and in the process of reading up on it, found out that I need to avoid grapefruit juice. Never would have thought about that!

No matter what you take, read the labels and understand them. Don't depend on the doctor or the pharmacist to keep your butt out of hot water - after all it's your butt that's on the line.