Difference between Pepto Bismol, Imodium and Kaopectate
Heartburn is a painful and bothersome condition that is oftentimes the result of a more serious underlying problem. Thankfully most cases are only temporary, and they frequently respond well to over-the-counter medications such as Pepto Bismol, Imodium or Kaopectate. If you have ever wondered what the differences between these three medications are, you have come to the right place!
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Pepto Bismol is sold under the generic name bismuth subsalicylate, and it is commonly prescribed for the relief of diarrhea, stomach upset, heartburn, stomach acidity, and nausea.
Imodium, also known by its generic name of loperamide, is commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea.
Kaopectate for its part is sold under the generic name of docusate, and its primary function is as a stool softener. It is often used to treat the symptoms of constipation and pain caused by hard or dry stools.
Interactions
Care should be taken when taking Pepto Bismol with a large variety of medications, including methotrexate, aspirin and other medications in this category, diabetes medication, gout medication, and medications used in the treatment and/or prevention of blood clots, such as warfarin.
Imodium should not be taken with alosetron under any circumstances. Care should also be taken when taking Imodium with quinidine, ritonavir, and saquinavir.
As for Kaopectate, the medication has been known to react unfavorably with mineral oil, so care should be taken when combining both.
Precautions
Pepto Bismol has a number of side effects associated with it, all of which require consultation with a doctor as soon as possible. Among the possible side effects of Pepto Bismol are anxiety, dizziness, sleepiness, headaches, sweating, unusual thirst, ringing in the ears, weakness, nausea, fatigue, and tremors. Pepto Bismol may also cause dark colored stools and a blackened tongue.
Imodium can also cause dark and even bloody stools, and it may also cause a number of other symptoms besides, such as food poisoning, colitis, fever, liver disease, and abdominal pain. Care should be taken by women who take Imodium while pregnant and those who are breastfeeding.
Kaopectate may cause nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and a change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more. Kaopectate should also be taken with care by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those who are trying to conceive a child.
Summary
Pepto Bismol
- Sold under the generic name bismuth subsalicylate
- Commonly prescribed for the relief of diarrhea, stomach upset, heartburn, stomach acidity, and nausea
Imodium
- Also known by its generic name of loperamide
- Commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea
Kaopectate
- Sold under the generic name of docusate
- Primary function is as a stool softener
- Often used to treat the symptoms of constipation and pain caused by hard or dry stools
