Skip to main content

Who can and cannot take Pepto-Bismol - Other brand names: Pepti-Calm

Who can take Pepto-Bismol

Most adults and young people aged 16 years and over can take Pepto-Bismol.

Who may not be able to take Pepto-Bismol

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pepto-Bismol is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

  • ever had an allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate or any of the other ingredients in Pepto-Bismol or Pepti Calm
  • ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other medicine
  • diabetes
  • gout
  • a rare inherited condition called phenylketonuria where you cannot have aspartame – the chewable tablets contain aspartame
  • have a blood clotting disorder

Pepto-Bismol liquid and tablets both contain a colouring called amaranth. Some people can have an allergic reaction to amaranth.

Page last reviewed: 3 August 2022
Next review due: 3 August 2025