Black stool is called melena if it is sticky, tar-like, and foul-smelling.
This can happen when there is bleeding in the stomach or upper intestine.
But black stool can also come from:
• Iron tablets
• Bismuth-containing medicines
• Certain foods (beetroot, blackberries)
• Activated charcoal
• Heavy gastritis
So we must quickly check what is the cause in your case.
Next Steps
If Stool Is Truly Black (Melena) – Immediate Treatment
Start: Pantoprazole 40 mg
• Morning before food
• + one more dose at night for 3 days
This reduces stomach acid and stops further bleeding if present.
ORS or coconut water
To prevent dehydration.
Avoid
• Painkillers (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesulide)
• Spicy food
• Tea/coffee
• Alcohol
Eat
• Curd
• Rice
• Bananas
• Soft foods
Quick Questions to Confirm Cause
1. Are you taking iron tablets or iron syrup?
2. Are you taking bismuth, charcoal, or multivitamins?
3. Is the stool sticky like tar?
4. Any burning in chest or acidity?
5. Any dizziness or weakness?
If answer to points 1–2 is YES, then black stool is harmless.
If NO, then we treat this as possible gastritis-related bleeding until proven otherwise.
Health Tips
Red Flags (Needs Doctor Visit TODAY / Emergency)
If you have ANY of these:
• Very black, shiny, tar-like stools
• Stomach pain increasing
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Blood in vomiting
• Previous ulcer history
• Recently took painkillers
Then you need to see a doctor urgently for:
• CBC (hemoglobin)
• Stool occult blood
• Upper GI endoscopy (if needed)
Black stools can come from iron tablets or certain foods, but if they are sticky or tar-like, it may indicate stomach bleeding. Start pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily temporarily, avoid spicy food and painkillers, and get checked if dizziness or increasing pain occurs.