How does Pepto Bismol work to stop diarrhea?

To be honest I don’t think anyone actually knows but it’s thought to be a combination of things Firstly it coats the stomach thereby protecting it from irritation and also reducing irritation. This slows down the passage of stuff from the stomach as it’s no longer trying to get rid of the irritant so quickly. Secondly it’s thought that it kills some of the bacteria causing the diarrhoea.

@Lightlyseared Great answer thanks.

In addition to coating the lining of the stomach to reduce acidic activity, Bismuth subsalicylate stimulates the passage of fluid and electrolytes across the wall of the intestinal tract, and binds or neutralizes the toxins of some bacteria, rendering them nontoxic. It decreases intestinal inflammation and increases the activity of intestinal muscles and lining.

Thanks for asking @Eggie. Pepto Bismol is one of the few otcs I can have. I had no idea how it worked though other then is was a bismoth.

@Unbroken I have a very curious mind…..

I use Immodium & lots of water for that, I thought Pepto was only for upset tummys. Nice to know.