Taking bismuth subsalicylate as a preventive measure can reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea by approximately 65% [1].
This preventive strategy is significant for international travelers because the illness is a common disruption that can severely impact the quality and safety of a trip.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends the use of bismuth subsalicylate, commonly known by the brand name Pepto-Bismol, to mitigate this risk [1]. The medication helps lower the likelihood of contracting the illness by more than half [2].
While the medication is effective for prevention, it is not without potential drawbacks. Pasricha said that users should be aware of how the drug affects the digestive system during use.
"Constipation is a known side effect of taking bismuth subsalicylate, so ease up if you feel backed up," Pasricha said [1].
Traveler's diarrhea typically occurs when individuals consume contaminated food or water while visiting regions with different sanitary standards. By using a preventive dose of bismuth subsalicylate, travelers can create a chemical barrier or antimicrobial effect that lowers the chance of infection [1].
Pasricha, who also writes the "Ask a Doctor" column for The Washington Post, said that monitoring one's reaction to the medication is key to maintaining comfort during the journey [1].
“Taking bismuth subsalicylate as a preventive measure can reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea by approximately 65%.”
The recommendation suggests a shift toward proactive pharmacological prevention rather than relying solely on dietary caution. While a 65% risk reduction is substantial, the trade-off involves managing potential gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, meaning travelers must balance the risk of acute infection against the likelihood of mild medication-induced discomfort.
