Old drug, new trick: vancomycin may stop c. diff before it starts
NCT ID NCT07221708
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests whether taking oral vancomycin alongside other antibiotics can prevent Clostridioides difficile infection (C. diff) in people aged 65 and older. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either vancomycin or standard care. The goal is to see if the drug reduces the number of new C. diff cases.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- oral vancomycin
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a simple way to prevent C. diff infections in high-risk older patients taking antibiotics.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-to-mid stage trial with only 200 participants. The drug may not prevent infection and could promote antibiotic resistance.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Expected to start
-
Jan 2027
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 65 years or older * Receive systemic antibiotics in the last 90 days * Hospitalized anywhere in the last 90 days * History of C diff colonization without history of C diff colitis (infection) * Provide informed consent * Read and understand the English language * Not current taking probiotics * Lack of allergy or contraindications to receive vancomycin * Ability to take oral medications * Not receiving medications that can be used to treat or prevent C diff Exclusion Criteria: * Age 64 years or younger * Has not received systemic antibiotics in the last 90 days * Has not been hospitalized in the last 90 days * History of C diff colonization with a history of C diff colitis (infection) * Not provided informed consent * Cannot read and understand the English language * Currently receiving probiotics * Allergy or contraindications to receive vancomycin * Unable to take oral medications * Receiving medications that can be used to treat or prevent C diff
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061, United States