Travellers' Diarrhoea

What is Travellers' Diarrhoea?

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Travellers’ diarrhoea is one of the most common health issues encountered abroad, affecting between 20% and 50% of international travellers visiting high-risk destinations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. It is usually caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria (such as E. coli, Campylobacter, or Salmonella),viruses, or parasites.

Symptoms include frequent loose or watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes low-grade fever.While mild cases may improve on their own, severe episodes can cause rapid dehydration and disrupt travel plans.

At Livewell Clinic Pharmacy, our private Travellers’ Diarrhoea Standby Treatment Service at our Soho, London clinic ensures you travel prepared with reliable antibiotic treatment and expert clinical guidance.

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Why get a Standby Treatment Pack?

 

Carrying standby medication prescribed before you travel gives you immediate security and control while abroad:

• Immediate Access to Treatment: Especially vital when visiting remote regions, rural areas, or destinations where reliable local medical care or quality-assured medicines may be difficult to source quickly.

• Rapid Recovery: Prompt antibiotic treatment targets the underlying bacterial infection, significantly shortening the duration and severity of symptoms.

• Tailored for High-Risk Regions: Recommended for destinations across South and Southeast Asia, Latin America,and Africa where local bacterial strains may not respond well to standard over-the-counter remedies.

How to Use Standby Azithromycin 500mg

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Azithromycin is an effective first-line antibiotic used for treating moderate to severe bacterial travellers’ diarrhoea:

• When to Start: Take Azithromycin only if you develop acute diarrhoea (passing 3 or more loose/watery stools within 24 hours accompanied by cramps or nausea). Do not take it preventatively before symptoms occur.

• Dosage Course: Take one 500mg tablet daily for 3 consecutive days. Complete the full 3-day course unless advised otherwise by a clinician.

• Symptom Relief: Symptoms typically begin to improve within 24 hours of your first dose.

• Stay Hydrated: Always combine antibiotic treatment with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and plenty of safe, clean fluids to prevent dehydration.

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Food & Water Safety Guidelines

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Standby medication is an important safety net, but avoiding exposure through strict food and water hygiene remains your primary line of defence:

• Safe Water: Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and drinks made with unboiled water.

• Food Precautions ("Boil It, Cook It, Peel It, or Forget It"):

  • Eat freshly prepared food served piping hot.

  • Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and unpasteurised dairy products.

  • Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruit that may have been washed in local water.

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and safe water (or use alcohol-based hand rub) before eating and after using the restroom.

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​​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Who should carry a standby treatment pack?

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Standby antibiotics are strongly advised if you are:

• Travelling to high-risk regions in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.

• Visiting remote areas far from medical facilities or pharmacies.

• Managing pre-existing digestive conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome) or underlying health issues where dehydration poses a serious risk.

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Can I take over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medicines like Loperamide?

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Yes, for mild symptoms without fever or blood, loperamide can help slow bowel movements. However, if you develop a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stools, loperamide should be avoided or used only alongside your prescribed standby antibiotics as advised.

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Who should NOT take Azithromycin?

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You should avoid or discuss alternative options with our pharmacist if you:

• Have a known severe allergy to azithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics.

• Are taking interacting medications (such as certain heart rhythm drugs).

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding (requires clinical assessment).

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What are the common side effects?

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Azithromycin is generally well tolerated. Mild side effects are usually temporary and include:

• Mild nausea, stomach upset, or abdominal discomfort

• Temporary loose stools or mild headache

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When should I seek urgent medical help abroad?

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Seek immediate local medical attention if you experience:

• Blood or mucus in your stools

• A high persistent fever accompanied by severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake, leading to signs of severe dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, little to no urination)

• Symptoms that do not improve after completing the 3-day course

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Book Your Travel Health Consultation Today

 

Be fully prepared for your journey by consulting our pharmacist in advance:

1. Book Online: Select a travel consultation time slot through our online portal.

2. Clinical Assessment: Meet with our pharmacist at our Central London clinic to review your travel destination and medical background.

3. Get Your Supply: Receive your standby treatment pack and tailored travel safety advice.

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