Evaluation of the Use of a Probiotic Containing Bifidobacterium Breve PRL2020 in Oral Drops in Preventing Side Effects From Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Antibiotic Use

Evaluation of the Use of a Probiotic Containing Bifidobacterium Breve PRL2020 in Oral Drops in Preventing Side Effects From Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Antibiotic Use: a Multicentre, Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020 (Brevicillin® gocce) in preventing gastrointestinal side effects associated with antibiotic therapy using amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in pediatric patients aged 0-12 years. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either the probiotic supplement or placebo during standard antibiotic treatment for 6-10 days, followed by a post-treatment observation period up to day 15 without probiotic or placebo administration. The primary objective is to assess the reduction in the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).

Antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is widely prescribed in pediatric populations but is frequently associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects, particularly diarrhea. These effects are linked to disruption of the gut microbiota and a reduction in bifidobacterial populations. Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020 is a probiotic strain with demonstrated intrinsic, non-transferable resistance to these antibiotics and has been developed to mitigate antibiotic-induced dysbiosis.

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-profit trial conducted in pediatric centers across Italy. The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020 in reducing the incidence and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in children receiving amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

A total of 1100 participants (550 per group) will be enrolled. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either Brevicillin® gocce (5 drops 2-3 times daily, containing 5 billion CFU of B. breve PRL2020 per dose) or matching placebo only during antibiotic therapy (6-10 days). After completion of antibiotic treatment, participants will enter a follow-up period until day 15 without probiotic or placebo administration.

The primary outcome is the incidence of AAD, defined as ≥3 diarrheal episodes in one day during antibiotic treatment (Bristol Stool Scale 5-7).

Secondary outcomes include the incidence and duration of diarrhea, daily bowel movements, stool consistency, gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), treatment compliance, and adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female participants aged 0-12 years.
• Undergoing antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.
• Parent or legal guardian provides written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of antibiotic therapy within 4 weeks prior to enrolment.
• Use of other probiotic products or lactic acid bacteria during the study.
• Pre-existing diarrhea within 4 weeks prior to enrolment.
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Lack of parental or legal guardian consent to participate in the study.