Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Extended Use Of Pepcid For Heart Burn. Back Stools, Loss Of Appetite, Weight Loss. History Of Heart Attack And Stent Placement. Medication Side Effects?
Question: Can Pepcid cause black stools if taken for a long period of time? Have been taking it for heartburn for the last two months and recently, twice a day. Sometimes have pain in my back, also. Two days ago, I developed black stools and ruled out a change in diet - I have a loss of appetite and weight. Had a bleeding ulcer 20 years ago and lost a significant amount of blood, requiring a transfusion. Two years ago, had a heart attack and now have two stints. I am a 51-year-old man, 163 pounds. Also started taking two baby aspirin twice a day for the last week.
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Black stools are caused when there is digested blood hemoglobin or acid hematin present in it. The most likely causes are an upper GI bleed like bleeding from peptic ulcer , esophagitis etc or due to iron supplements which cause black discolouration of stools as a sideeffect.
In your case the aspirin, rather than pepcid might be the culprit.
As you must be aware that aspirin has antiplatelet action and may facilitate easy bleeding from any lesion in body since it will delay clot formation required for stopping the bleed.
There is a most likely possibility that the cause of all your symptoms i.e back pain, black stools, acidity could be a bleeding peptic ulcer.
So please consult your gastroenterologist for confirmation of diagnosis which may require an ultrasound abdomen, endoscopy , complete blood counts etc.
Once diagnosis is confirmed further management can be started with medicines or endoscopic procedure.
Also please take pepcid and aspirin only as per prescription of your physician.
Do not delay the consultation as silent bleeding from ulcers can cause blood loss anemia and decrease your blood hemoglobin making you further weak.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
Thanks for posting your query.
Black stools are caused when there is digested blood hemoglobin or acid hematin present in it. The most likely causes are an upper GI bleed like bleeding from peptic ulcer , esophagitis etc or due to iron supplements which cause black discolouration of stools as a sideeffect.
In your case the aspirin, rather than pepcid might be the culprit.
As you must be aware that aspirin has antiplatelet action and may facilitate easy bleeding from any lesion in body since it will delay clot formation required for stopping the bleed.
There is a most likely possibility that the cause of all your symptoms i.e back pain, black stools, acidity could be a bleeding peptic ulcer.
So please consult your gastroenterologist for confirmation of diagnosis which may require an ultrasound abdomen, endoscopy , complete blood counts etc.
Once diagnosis is confirmed further management can be started with medicines or endoscopic procedure.
Also please take pepcid and aspirin only as per prescription of your physician.
Do not delay the consultation as silent bleeding from ulcers can cause blood loss anemia and decrease your blood hemoglobin making you further weak.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
