Bismuth Subsalicylate in the Treatment of Chronic Diarrhea of Childhood

Twenty‐nine infants and children, age 2–70 months with chronic diarrhea, were admitted to a double‐blind, parallel clinical trial. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a bismuth subsalicylate liquid or a placebo liquid formulation. Treatment was given for 7 days with dosage varied according to age. Analysis of the results showed that the subjects in the bismuth subsalicylate‐treated group gained significantly more weight (p < 0.05), had significantly fewer (p < 0.01) and firmer (p < 0.01) stools with less water content (p< 0.01) during the course of the study than did the placebo‐treated group. Response to treatment, as graded by nursing staff, family, and physicians was moderate to excellent in 86% of the treated group while none of the placebo group received such a rating (p <0.01). No differences were noted between stool weights or bile acid excretion.