Q. I take Coumadin to prevent blood clots and have paid attention to potential interactions with food and other medicine. I read in a health newsletter that a full adult dose of Pepto-Bismol is the equivalent of eight aspirins. How serious is this interaction?
A. The maximum daily dose of Pepto-Bismol contains 2080 mg of salicylate. This aspirin-like drug could well interact with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Such a combination could increase the risk for bleeding. Symptoms include bruises, dark stool, nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
People who use arthritis rubs containing methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) may also be at risk for this interaction. Products such as Arthritis Formula BenGay, Icy Hot Cream, Mentholatum Deep Heating and Thera-Gesic all contain methyl salicylate. Anyone taking Coumadin must be extremely vigilant to avoid potentially life-threatening interactions.
