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Just what the doctor (dis)ordered?
New research uncovers the structure of the crystals inside Pepto-Bismol, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and JOEL HELLEWELL
Pepto-Bismol [Quinn Dombrowski/Creative Commons]

PEPTO-BISMOL, the US antacid drug, was first marketed in New York at the turn of the 20th century. 

Its active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, technically a “salt” of bismuth. Bismuth salts have been known for their use in treating stomach upsets and bowel problems for centuries.

The medicine is effective for mild stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, and indigestion. One of the most surprising things about it is that it’s not known how bismuth subsalicylate actually works. 

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