Got bad gas? There’s a $4.99 over the counter drug that experts swear by

The stomach pain medication found in 40 percent of American homes is doctors’ preferred means of treating harmful gases.

Experts have highlighted the chalky pink drink as being especially effective in eradicating unpleasant odors that can be transmitted after a high-fiber meal.

According to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, the remedy is made with an ingredient called bismuth subsalicylate, which kills the bacteria responsible for stinky gas.

Studies have also shown that Pepto can reduce the release of that smelly sulfur. by more than 95 percent.

“If you need an easy fix in a pinch—an upcoming work conference or a cozy date night with someone special—take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol),” Dr. Pasricha wrote for the Washington Post.

It recommends taking 524 milligrams four times a day beforehand, but cautions that there is “some concern” about complications associated with “long-term regular use.”

In addition to reducing odor, Pepto is designed to relieve upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and the uncomfortable feeling of being too full.

A 1998 report involved doctors at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center testing Pepto to reduce gas odor.

Ten healthy study subjects provided researchers with stool samples from three days before and three days after treatment, which included two Pepto tablets four times a day.

The bismuth in the tablets reduced the release of malodorous hydrogen sulfide in the stool to less than four percent of what it was before treatment.

Pepto’s two main ingredients, bismuth and subsalicylate (a drug in the same class as aspirin), calm spasms in the intestine that advance gas and reduce inflammation in the intestine.

They also reduce disease-causing bacteria or viruses, reduce excessive stomach acid levels, and increase fluid absorption in the intestines to firm up loose stools.

But none of the ingredients naturally have the drug’s signature bubblegum pink hue. That, instead, is a clever marketing trick by Proctor & Gamble.

The ‘pink material’ was developed in the early 20th century and although the reason for choosing bright pink is unknown, Pepto saying‘we know we’re not going to mess with something good.’

It comes from two red dyes, numbers 22 and 28. While red dyes have received considerable attention in recent years for their links to inflammatory bowel disease and even some cancers (specifically red 3 and red 40), red 22 and red 28 have been rated low for cancerallergy, and risk of immunotoxicity.

While there is no need to fear turning pink when drinking it, there is a small chance that Pepto could cause the color of your tongue and stool to turn dark black due to a benign reaction between bismuth and sulfur in your mouth and stomach. digestive tract.

The medication could also interact with other drugs just as aspirin does, because it contains salicylate, a compound found in the latter.

May increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. It may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if taken with a pain reliever such as Advil or Aleve due to additional effects on the stomach lining.

Pepto-Bismol should only be taken for a maximum of two consecutive days, which means that chronic diarrhea and stomach pain require a doctor’s attention for more advanced treatment.