Can Pepto-Bismol cause Reyes syndrome?
The cause of Reye’s syndrome is still not understood despite a tremendous amount of research. However, the FDA-mandated warning for aspirin- and non-aspirin-containing products states, “Children and teenagers should not use this medicine for chicken pox or flu symptoms before a doctor is consulted about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness reported to be associated with aspirin.” There is no aspirin in Pepto-Bismol. The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, a non-aspirin salicylate. Salicylates are commonly used as flavoring agents in food (wintergreen). The United States Food & Drug Administration’s OTC Final Anti-Diarrheal Monograph states that there is no definitive evidence that associates use of non-aspirin salicylates with an increased risk of Reye’s syndrome. P&G has voluntarily included a Reye’s syndrome label warning since 1985. P&G includes this label warning to encourage consumers and parents to consult a doctor for children and teenagers who hav
