Medicine for travellers diarrhoea

Travel-related diarrhoea can follow contaminated food or water, a change in diet, or an infection. The main concern is losing fluid and salts. Oral rehydration solution can replace both; take frequent small sips, especially after each loose stool. A pharmacist may discuss an antimotility medicine for short-term relief, but it is not suitable for everyone, particularly when there is blood in the stool, a high temperature or severe abdominal pain.

Persistent or recurring diarrhoea can have other explanations. Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis are possible causes, while Giardiasis may follow exposure to contaminated water. Ongoing symptoms may also need assessment for Food Intolerance, Coeliac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Hyperthyroidism.

Start rehydration early and choose light foods as your appetite returns. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash your hands carefully and avoid preparing food for other people while you are unwell. Do not start leftover antibiotics: the right treatment depends on the cause and your health history. A clinician can advise about medicine if symptoms are severe, continue after travel, or affect a child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a long-term illness.

Seek urgent medical help for fainting, confusion, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, or a high temperature with worsening illness. Arrange medical advice if diarrhoea is not settling, returns repeatedly, or begins after recent antibiotics. Dehydration can develop quickly in hot climates, so do not wait for thirst alone before replacing fluids.

Ask which rehydration product and symptom medicine are appropriate for you, whether your medicines or medical conditions change the choice, and whether stool testing or treatment for a travel infection is needed.