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Pepto Bismol May Not Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea, New Study Finds

The CDC led a study finding that Pepto Bismol's active ingredient did not reduce traveler’s diarrhea in 270 adults traveling to Asia and Africa.
Many travelers use Pepto Bismol off-label to prevent diarrhea, but this study, despite not reaching its participant target, tested this prevention claim.
Participants were given either bismuth subsalicylate—administered as four tablets two times daily—or a placebo throughout trips lasting one to three weeks, with information gathered via questionnaires.
On May 29, the researchers published findings indicating no significant difference in diarrhea episodes between the treatment and control groups, while suggesting that a larger study could potentially reveal a modest benefit.
The findings represent the initial updated evidence on the preventive use of bismuth subsalicylate since the 1980s and indicate that healthcare professionals might need to reconsider recommending Pepto Bismol for diarrhea prevention, while additional research remains necessary.

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