Pepto bismol may stop Travelers' diarrhea and superbugs
NCT ID NCT03535272
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) before and during international travel could prevent travelers' diarrhea and reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria. About 482 healthy adults traveling to Asia or Africa were randomly assigned to take the drug or a placebo. The trial was terminated early, so results are incomplete, but the approach could offer a simple preventive option.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, over-the-counter way to prevent travelers' diarrhea and reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. It only tested short-term use (up to 21 days) in healthy travelers, not the general public.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Marina Rogova
New York, New York, 10022, United States
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