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

The stomach pain medicine that lives in 40 percent of American households is doctors’ preferred means to deal with bad gas.

Experts have highlighted the chalky pink drink for being especially effective for eradicating unpleasant odors that you may pass after a fiber-heavy meal.

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

Studies have also shown that Pepto can reduce the release of that foul-smelling sulfur by over 95 percent.

Pepto-Bismol has been a staple for dealing with all forms of stomach upset for over a century

The two main ingredients in Pepto—bismuth and subsalicylate (a medication in the same class as aspirin)—calm spasms in the intestine that move gas forward and reduce inflammation in the gut

 'If you need a simple solution in a pinch — an upcoming work conference or a date in cozy quarters with someone special — take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol),' Dr Pasricha wrote for the Washington Post. 

She recommends taking 524 milligrams four times a day beforehand, but warns there is 'some concern' about complications associated with 'regular, long term use'.

In addition to reducing odor, Pepto is designed to alleviate upset stomachs, nausea, heartburn, and the uncomfortable too-full feeling.

One 1998 report involved physicians at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center putting Pepto to the test in reducing gas odor. 

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

Bismuth in the tablets reduced the release of smelly hydrogen sulfide in feces to less than four percent of what it was before treatment.

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According to the UK's National Health Service, the discomfort, which most commonly occurs due to gas in the gut, can be caused by 'some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks' or even through 'swallowing air when you eat'. 

The two main ingredients in Pepto—bismuth and subsalicylate (a medication in the same class as aspirin)—calm spasms in the intestine that move gas forward and reduce inflammation in the gut.

They also reduce disease-causing bacteria or viruses, cut down excess levels of stomach acid, and increase fluid absorption in the intestines to firm up loose stool.

But neither ingredient is naturally the medicine’s trademark bubblegum pink hue. That, instead, is a clever marketing hack by Proctor & Gamble. 

The ‘pink stuff’ was developed in the early 20th century and, while the reason for choosing bright pink is unknown, Pepto said, ‘we know that we’re not going to mess with a good thing.’

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—Red 3 and Red 40 specifically—red 22 and red 28 have been rated low for cancer, allergy, and immunotoxicity risk.

While there’s no need to fear going pink from drinking it, there’s a small chance that Pepto can turn the color of the tongue and stool dark black due to a benign reaction between the bismuth and sulfur in the mouth and digestive tract.

The medicine could also interact with other drugs in the same was that aspirin does, because it contains salicylate, a compound found in the latter.

It could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. It could also enhance the risk of a GI bleed if taken in concert with a pain reliever like Advil or Aleve due to the added effects on the stomach lining.

Pepto-Bismol should only be taken for a maximum of two consecutive days, meaning chronic diarrhea and stomach pain require the attention of a doctor for more advanced treatment.