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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Marina Rogova
New York, New York, 10022, United States