Sandwell Pharmacy Group
Private service · Traveller’s diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea: prevention, rehydration and when antibiotics help

By the Sandwell Pharmacy Group team · Clinically reviewed by Jeetender Singh Sahota, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2048691) · September 2026 · 3 min read

Traveller’s diarrhoea affects roughly a third of people visiting higher-risk regions. Most cases are mild and settle in a couple of days with fluids; the point of standby antibiotics is the minority that don’t.

Azithromycin is the recommended standby antibiotic for most destinations. Started at the onset of moderate or severe symptoms it typically shortens the illness from several days to about one. Our pharmacists can supply it privately before you travel, alongside advice and rehydration sachets.

Prevention still matters: bottled or treated water, food that’s cooked and hot, peeled fruit, and hand hygiene. Seek medical help abroad for blood in the stool, high fever, or if you can’t keep fluids down.

Traveller’s diarrhoea at Sandwell Pharmacy Group

15-minute pharmacist consultation, supplied under a Patient Group Direction. Book a time at your branch or walk in.

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Food and water safety abroad: how to avoid traveller’s diarrhoea, and what to pack if it strikes →Traveller’s diarrhoea →All private services →Find your nearest branch →
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