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Don’t Let Traveller’s Diarrhoea Disrupt Your Trip
Three simple steps to get your treatment
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common illness caused by bacteria found in contaminated food or water, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Symptoms usually include frequent loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, and sometimes fever.
While many cases are mild and settle on their own, moderate to severe symptoms can disrupt travel plans and increase the risk of dehydration. Azithromycin is a recommended antibiotic for treating bacterial traveller’s diarrhoea, especially in regions where other antibiotics may be less effective.
Our service allows you to travel prepared, with clinically approved treatment available if symptoms develop.
Safe, effective medications reviewed by our pharmacists
Azithromycin is one of the most commonly recommended antibiotics for the treatment of moderate to severe traveller’s diarrhoea. Following a clinical assessment, eligible travellers may be supplied medication to carry with them in case symptoms develop while abroad.
Traveller’s diarrhoea treatment may be suitable for travellers visiting higher-risk destinations, especially those travelling for extended periods, undertaking remote travel, backpacking, adventure travel, cruises, or where access to healthcare may be limited.
No. Azithromycin is supplied for use only if moderate to severe diarrhoea develops during your trip. Your clinician will explain exactly when treatment should be started and when medical advice should be sought.
Symptoms often begin to improve within 24 hours of starting treatment, although recovery times can vary depending on the cause and severity of the illness.
Many mild cases improve without antibiotics within a few days. However, moderate or severe symptoms, particularly those affecting travel plans or causing significant discomfort, may benefit from treatment.
No. Oral rehydration and adequate fluid intake remain the most important aspects of treatment. Medication can support recovery but does not replace the need for hydration and rest.
Yes. Following an assessment, appropriate travellers may be supplied treatment in advance to carry with them while travelling abroad. This can be particularly useful when travelling to remote destinations or areas with limited healthcare access.
Common symptoms include:
Frequent loose or watery stools
Stomach cramps
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Urgent need to use the toilet
Symptoms usually develop during travel or shortly after arrival.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is more common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Risk varies depending on destination, accommodation, eating habits, and local sanitation standards.
Common side effects may include nausea, mild stomach upset, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort. Serious side effects are uncommon and will be discussed during your clinical assessment.
A guide to traveller’s diarrhoea, why it happens, how common it is among travellers, and the steps you can take to reduce your risk while abroad. Contents What is traveller’s
A guide to traveller’s diarrhoea, why it happens, how common it is among travellers, and the steps you can take to reduce your risk while abroad. Contents What is traveller’s
A guide to Azithromycin, when it may be used for traveller’s diarrhoea, and how travellers can prepare for illness before they leave the UK. Contents What is Azithromycin? Do all
