Pepto Bismol before travel? And Altitude?

[NotQuiteCockney]

Next week, I'm travelling to somewhere with unsafe water, and high altitude.

My Dad says we should all (including DS2? who is 16 months?) take a lot of pepto bismol in the week before leaving, to protect ourselves from tummy bugs. Does this work? Is pepto bismol safe for toddlers? Does it even exist in the UK?

Also, it's at 5000 feet. Are we likely to have problems adjusting? Will this cause problems with my asthma?

I've never heard of this. I have taken Pepto to help with stomach probs when on holiday, but that has always been due to food problems resulting in Diarrhoea. Pepto has helped to stop me up - similar drug to Immodium - I never travel without one or the other! I think it's mainly used to help with heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and Diarrhoea. I don't think it would be too effective as a precautionary drug and may just cause you a week of constipation!

Be sure to only drink bottled water and use bottled water for brushing teeth too!

Sorry, can't help with the altitude questions.

I think Pepto is a lot weaker than Immodium? I will bring Immodium, though, thanks for the reminder.

We will be careful about the water. I'm working on ways to train my kids not to drink their bath water ...

5000ft shouldn't cause you too much problem, you are talking 7000-10000 before you even feel it.

I had pepto bismol when flying, but only because I had a bad stomach.

My stomach does go funny when I travel, I will remember to take my Immodium with me, and check with the pharmacist to see if they have anything ok for kids, in that line.

Are you sure, lapsedrunner? My family seems to think it causes a bit of trouble.