The most common travel illness. After a appointment with a pharmacist we provide standby antibiotic treatment and tailored food-safety advice.
Travellers' Diarrhoea Treatment
No GP referral needed. Book your appointment online today.
Your pharmacist reviews your destination, health, and medications thoroughly.
Standby antibiotics supplied with clear written instructions when appropriate.
Leave with your treatment plan and food safety advice.
It’s caused by consuming contaminated food or water, often containing bacteria like E. coli. Common sources include tap water, ice, raw food, or even properly prepared food that suffered cross-contamination.
Symptoms include frequent loose stools, cramps, nausea, and bloating, usually lasting 3–5 days. Seek urgent medical help if you experience high fever, bloody stool, or signs of severe dehydration.
The right standby antibiotic depends on your destination, health history, and medications, as confirmed at your appointment.
Azithromycin is our first-line standby treatment, particularly for South and Southeast Asia. Its use is off-label and for moderate-to-severe symptoms only, not prevention. Your pharmacist will explain further.
MHRA guidance now says ciprofloxacin is second line only, where azithromycin is inappropriate for clinical reasons. It will be checked for you by your pharmacist during your appointment.
We offer these over-the-counter additions. Always prioritize oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace fluids, while loperamide can help manage diarrhoea frequency when used alongside antibiotics in moderate cases.
Standby antibiotics are not to be used as a preventative but for moderate or severe symptoms. Unnecessary use also contributes to antibiotic resistance. Your pharmacist will tell you what the correct threshold is before you travel.
Those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Severe illness triggers for those with Crohn’s or colitis.
Immunocompromised travellers
Weakened immune systems struggle to clear infections and spread.
Older travellers
Older adults dehydrate quickly and may deteriorate very rapidly.
Those on medications affected by dehydration
Dehydration can cause your regular medications to work incorrectly.
Travellers visiting remote areas
Limited medical access makes self-treatment capability absolutely essential.
Those with diabetes
Illness can destabilize blood glucose levels, creating serious risks.
Every appointment is led by a pharmacist who has spent a career doing this.
Mandeep Sandhu has been a pharmacist since 2006, qualifying at Aberdeen. Travel health has been the real focus of his career. He has an independent prescriber qualification with yellow fever accreditation and NaTHNaC training and has spent over a decade helping people travel safely.
He is a keen traveller himself and understands that no two trips are the same. Every patient receives the time and advice that their trip actually needs.
Qualified pharmacist registered with the GPhC
Authorised to prescribe and supply travel medications independently
Certified to administer the yellow fever vaccine and issue the ICVP certificate
Travel health training aligned with UK national guidance
Colchester Travel Clinic is easy to reach with free on-site parking and appointments available six days a week.
We’re an independent, pharmacist-led clinic where you’re seen by the same team from first appointment to final vaccine no transfers, no chase.
The only time you should take it is when you have symptoms of moderate to severe travellers’ diarrhoea. Not before symptoms start, not for mild cases that are tolerable and not significantly interfering with your activities.
The only time you should take it is when you have symptoms of moderate to severe travellers’ diarrhoea. Not before symptoms start, not for mild cases that are tolerable and not significantly interfering with your activities.
The MHRA guidance has restricted the use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, which are now only to be used where other more commonly recommended antibiotics are not appropriate.
Use of antibiotics is extremely limited in pregnancy. Consult your pharmacist before travelling about your particular situation; the recommendation will depend on the antibiotic being considered and the stage of your pregnancy.
Booking your appointment is quick and easy. We guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common reason a trip goes wrong. Going prepared with the right standby treatment and a clear plan for when to use it makes a real difference.
