Description

What is Azithromycin 500mg Tablets?

Azithromycin 500mg Tablets is a prescription-only antibiotic used for the treatment of traveller’s diarrhoea caused by susceptible bacterial infections.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common illness affecting travellers visiting certain regions of the world, particularly where food and water hygiene standards may differ from those in the UK. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and, in some cases, fever.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Azithromycin 500mg Tablets are supplied as part of our clinician-led traveller’s diarrhoea service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

Available Strengths

Azithromycin is available as:

500mg tablets

The dosage prescribed will depend on your destination, travel plans and individual medical circumstances.

Our clinicians will determine whether Azithromycin is suitable for you and provide guidance on when and how it should be used.

How Does Azithromycin Work?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria responsible for causing traveller’s diarrhoea.

By treating susceptible bacterial infections, Azithromycin can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and support a quicker recovery when illness occurs during travel.

It is important to note that not all cases of traveller’s diarrhoea require antibiotic treatment, and antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

Treatment may help to:

Treat bacterial traveller’s diarrhoea

Reduce the severity of symptoms

Shorten the duration of illness

Support recovery while travelling

Provide reassurance when travelling to higher-risk destinations

For best results, treatment should be used according to the instructions provided by your clinician.

Who May Be Suitable for Azithromycin 500mg Tablets?

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

Are aged 18 years or over

Are travelling to destinations where traveller’s diarrhoea is more common

Wish to carry standby treatment whilst travelling

Have no contraindications to Azithromycin treatment

Meet the prescribing criteria following clinical assessment

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

How to Use Azithromycin 500mg Tablets

Azithromycin tablets should be taken exactly as directed by your clinician.

For traveller’s diarrhoea, treatment is often prescribed as standby medication to be carried whilst travelling and used only if symptoms develop and meet the criteria discussed during your consultation.

Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and may be taken with or without food.

Always follow the instructions provided by your clinician and complete the prescribed course if treatment is started.

Potential Benefits

When prescribed appropriately, Azithromycin may:

Provide effective treatment for bacterial traveller’s diarrhoea

Help reduce symptom severity

Support faster recovery

Offer reassurance whilst travelling abroad

Provide convenient oral treatment

Offer clinician-supervised travel health support

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Azithromycin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Abdominal pain

Vomiting

Headache

Dizziness

These effects are usually mild and temporary.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take Azithromycin before I travel?

No. Azithromycin is usually supplied as standby treatment to carry whilst travelling and should only be used if symptoms develop and meet the criteria discussed by your clinician.

Will Azithromycin prevent traveller’s diarrhoea?

No. Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial causes of traveller’s diarrhoea and does not prevent infection. Good food, water and hand hygiene remain important preventative measures.

How quickly does Azithromycin work?

Many people begin to notice an improvement in symptoms within a few days of starting treatment, although individual responses may vary.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Do I need a prescription?

No. Azithromycin 500mg Tablets are a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require a GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy it can be supplied following assessment by a qualified prescribing clinician.

Our Traveller’s Diarrhoea Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led traveller’s diarrhoea service designed to help you prepare for travel with confidence.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

Travel destination

Travel dates

Medical history

Current medications

Previous antibiotic use

Relevant health conditions

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your travel itinerary and individual needs.

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.

Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Our team can provide advice on:

Traveller’s diarrhoea prevention

Safe food and water practices

Appropriate use of standby antibiotics

Hydration and oral rehydration therapy

Managing travel-related illnesses

General travel health support

Important Information

Azithromycin 500mg Tablets are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.

Azithromycin may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, allergies to macrolide antibiotics, or those taking certain medications. Your clinician will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

Antibiotics should only be used when clinically appropriate and exactly as prescribed.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed.