Why does Pepto-Bismol turn your tongue black?

Bismuth found in the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol interacts with sulfur found naturally in your mouth and digestive tract to create bismuth sulfide, a substance that may turn your tongue black. It’s a harmless side effect and usually clears up a few days after you stop treatment.

The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. The interaction between bismuth and sulfur can also cause your stools (poop) to look darker or black, which is also a temporary and harmless side effect

If your black tongue does not go away in a few days, or you notice a black tongue or darkened stools but you have not used Pepto-Bismol, contact your doctor for evaluation. Dark stools or a black tongue can also be caused by certain medical conditions or other drugs.

How do you get rid of black tongue from Pepto-Bismol?

A few days after you stop using Pepto-Bismol, your tongue discoloration should go away on its own, so you don’t really need to do anything. Pepto-Bismol is usually out of your system in one day, but it can take several days for the side effect to go away.

Does Pepto-Bismol cause black hairy tongue?

A "pseudo-black hairy tongue" (that mimics the look of black hairy tongue without the elongated cells on the tongue) can occur from using products containing bismuth like Pepto-Bismol. Other products that can cause "pseudo-black hairy tongue" include certain foods, tobacco and medicines like antibiotics or antidepressants.

You should continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing. Gently brushing your tongue with a soft bristle toothbrush may help to remove any discolored or dead cells on your tongue, although you should not have any elongated tongue cells with Pepto-Bismol use.

Related: What causes black hairy tongue?

Related Questions

• Can you give Pepto Bismol to kids?
• How long does it take for Pepto Bismol to work?
• Does Pepto-Bismol help with diarrhea?

What does Pepto-Bismol treat and how does it work?

Pepto Bismol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine used to treat diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach.

It’s available OTC as a liquid, tablet, capsule, chewable forms, and gummies and can be found at most retail shops and pharmacies in the U.S.

Pepto-Bismol works by preventing secretions in your intestinal tract, increasing fluid reabsorption, and decreasing inflammation and bacteria growth that may contribute to diarrhea.

What is the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol?

The active ingredient in Pepto Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, a compound that is chemically related to aspirin and contains similar warnings. Pepto-Bismol is indicated for use in adults and children 12 years and over. Always follow the label directions and Drug Facts found on the package.

Children, adolescents and even older teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox, flu or flu-like symptoms should not use Pepto-Bismol due to the possible risk of Reye’s syndrome.

• Reye’s syndrome is a very a serious illness that may rarely occur in children who have used salicylates. It may lead to permanent brain damage or death in children. It requires immediate medical treatment.
• Changes in behavior, extreme tiredness, confusion, nausea or vomiting or seizures may be signs of Reye’s syndrome.
• Contact your doctor right away or call 911 if your child has taken Pepto-Bismol and you notice these symptoms.

You should not use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) if you have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, blood in your stools, or if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

This is not all the information you need to know about Pepto-Bismol and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss any medical questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.