Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets

About Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets

Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets contain azithromycin 500mg, a highly effective macrolide antibiotic used as a “standby” treatment for severe stomach infections picked up abroad. When travelling to high-risk areas—such as South and South-East Asia, Africa, or South America—consuming contaminated food or water can lead to a bacterial gut infection.

Taking a short, targeted course of azithromycin halts the growth of the bacteria causing the infection. This rapidly reduces the severity and duration of symptoms like severe stomach cramps, high fever, and frequent watery bowel movements, allowing you to recover and get back to enjoying your trip safely.

Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets (Azithromycin) are suitable for adults aged 18 years and over and are supplied as a complete 3-day standby course:

• Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment (Azithromycin 500mg) – 3 tablets

What Are Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets Used For?

This standby antibiotic is used to treat moderate to severe episodes of travellers’ diarrhoea. While mild holiday bugs can often be managed with loperamide and oral rehydration, severe cases involving high fevers, blood in the stool, or debilitating symptoms require clinical intervention. Azithromycin works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to produce essential proteins, stopping them from multiplying and clearing the infection from your digestive system.

Who Are Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets Suitable For?

Azithromycin is suitable as a standby treatment for adults 18+ travelling to high-risk destinations.

Do not use Azithromycin 500mg Tablets if you:

• Are allergic to azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), or any listed ingredient
• Are under 18 years old

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Have a history of liver or kidney problems
• Suffer from heart conditions, particularly an irregular heartbeat or a prolonged QT interval
• Have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
• Suffer from myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness)
• Are taking ergotamine derivatives (usually for migraines) or antacids

How to Use Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment Tablets

Do not take this medication as a preventative measure. Only begin the course if you develop moderate to severe diarrhoea while travelling.

1. Dosage: Take one 500mg tablet once a day for 3 days.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. It can be taken with or without food.
3. If taking indigestion remedies (antacids), take your azithromycin at least one hour before or two hours after the antacid.
4. Complete the course: Always finish the 3-day pack, even if your symptoms improve after the first dose.

If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours after completing the course, seek local medical assistance. Always use oral rehydration sachets alongside this treatment to replace lost fluids.

Possible Side Effects of Azithromycin

Like all antibiotics, azithromycin can cause side effects, though not everybody gets them.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
• Headaches or dizziness
• Loss of appetite

Uncommon:

• Skin rashes or itching
• Thrush (yeast infections in the mouth or vagina)
• Changes in taste or smell

Rare:

• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Severe, prolonged diarrhoea with blood or mucus (which could indicate a different type of bowel inflammation like Clostridioides difficile)

Warnings and Precautions

• Hydration is critical: Antibiotics cure the infection, but dehydration is the biggest danger. Always drink plenty of safe, bottled water mixed with rehydration salts.
• Do not use preventatively: Only take these tablets if you become actively ill to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.
• Stop use and seek help: If you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing), stop taking the tablets immediately and seek urgent medical care.

Storage Instructions

• Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
• No special temperature storage conditions are required.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.