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Dialysis Patient Having Diarrhea. Can Pepto Bismol Be Taken?
Question: is Pepto Bismol safe for a dialysis patient who has diarrhea? If not, is there something that is safe?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Pepto bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate in which bismuth is excreted as fecal but salicylate is primarily excreted as free salicylic acid and conjugated metabolites by kidneys. Patients with renal impairment, on dialysis and elderly patients are more likely to have age-related renal function impairment, which may increase the risk of salicylate toxicity. Hence a patient with diarrhea who is getting dialysis should not take it without medical supervision.
For diarrhea, one should take BRAT diet (i.e. bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) or soft easily digestible semisolid diet, whitegrape juice and oral electrolyte solution. Also avoid coffee, tee, pop with caffeine or alcohol. Stay away from high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains, to allow the intestines to rest. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods, as these may bother your intestines.
Since you are diabetic, you need to try to stabilize your blood sugars and XXXXXXX your calorie needs. Your insulin doses may need to be changed due to less food intake. Also consult your doctor and discuss with him regarding the intake of Lomotil (diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate) but make sure to use it only under medical supervision.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Please accept my answer in case you have no follow up query.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks for posting your query.
Pepto bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate in which bismuth is excreted as fecal but salicylate is primarily excreted as free salicylic acid and conjugated metabolites by kidneys. Patients with renal impairment, on dialysis and elderly patients are more likely to have age-related renal function impairment, which may increase the risk of salicylate toxicity. Hence a patient with diarrhea who is getting dialysis should not take it without medical supervision.
For diarrhea, one should take BRAT diet (i.e. bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) or soft easily digestible semisolid diet, whitegrape juice and oral electrolyte solution. Also avoid coffee, tee, pop with caffeine or alcohol. Stay away from high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains, to allow the intestines to rest. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods, as these may bother your intestines.
Since you are diabetic, you need to try to stabilize your blood sugars and XXXXXXX your calorie needs. Your insulin doses may need to be changed due to less food intake. Also consult your doctor and discuss with him regarding the intake of Lomotil (diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate) but make sure to use it only under medical supervision.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Please accept my answer in case you have no follow up query.
Wishing you good health.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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