When is antibiotic treatment recommended for traveller's diarrhoea?

Many episodes improve with careful fluid replacement and time, so antibiotics are not automatically needed. A clinician considers the number and nature of bowel movements, fever, blood or mucus, vomiting, dehydration, duration, recent travel, medical conditions and medicines. Antibiotics may be considered for more disruptive or prolonged illness, but the choice depends on local resistance patterns and possible causes. Some causes need different treatment, and antibiotics can occasionally worsen certain infections or cause side effects.

Take frequent small sips of oral rehydration solution or other suitable fluids, and continue light meals as tolerated. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea continues. Do not start leftover antibiotics or someone else's medicine. A pharmacist or clinician can advise about symptom relief, especially if you are pregnant, have a long-term illness, take regular medicines or are caring for a child. Keep a note of travel dates, foods, medicines and symptom changes.

Seek prompt medical care for blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, faintness, confusion, very little urine, severe abdominal pain, high fever or worsening weakness. Arrange assessment when diarrhoea continues beyond the expected short course, returns after improving or affects someone medically vulnerable. Dehydration can become serious even when the original infection seems mild.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, whether an antibiotic is suitable for the likely cause, how to replace fluids and which medicines to avoid. Mention blood, fever, pregnancy, recent antibiotics, immune problems and any medicine allergies before treatment is chosen.