What is Azithromycin?
Traveller’s diarrhoea is quite common, particularly when visiting high-risk regions like South America, Africa, and the Middle East. You might experience symptoms such as stomach cramps, fever, bloating, and needing to use the toilet more often.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria, with E-coli being the most common culprit. These bacteria are present in water and food, and when they enter your gut, your body tries to get rid of them through your stools. It can also be triggered by viruses like norovirus or by infections from parasites such as cryptosporidiosis.
To help prevent traveller's diarrhoea, steer clear of tap water, ice cubes, and raw foods. Additionally, practising good hand hygiene while travelling is crucial to minimise the risk of spreading infections that lead to traveller's diarrhoea.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent traveller’s diarrhoea. It works by eliminating the bacteria responsible for the condition. While it is effective for diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections, it won't help with infections from parasites or viruses.
How does Azithromycin work?
Bacteria rely on proteins found in cells to survive and multiply. When these proteins are present, the bacteria can grow and spread, worsening the symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Azithromycin works by stopping the bacteria from producing the proteins it needs, which weakens it and prevents it from multiplying.
What doses of Azithromycin are there?
Azithromycin comes in just one dosage size: 500mg. Typically, you take one tablet daily.
Your clinician can guide you on the right dose of Azithromycin and the best time to take it. If Azithromycin isn't suitable for you, they may recommend other treatments for traveller’s diarrhoea.

- Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat traveller's diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections.
- It stops bacteria from making the proteins they need, which prevents them from multiplying.
- The total dose is 1500 mg, taken over 3-to-five days in 250 mg or 500 mg tablets.

Azithromycin isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know when taking it.
Here's all the official information on it. If anything isn't clear, just let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Useful Links:
- official info: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2272/pil

Q: Is Azithroymcin similar to any other treatments?
There are alternative antibiotic treatments for traveller's diarrhoea. For example, Xifaxanta has a different active ingredient but functions similarly to Azithromycin.
Azithromycin is a generic medicine, while Xifaxant is a branded one. They function in the same way, but the packaging and tablets might look a bit different. Generally, Azithromycin is a bit more affordable since it's the generic option.
Q: How effective is Azithromycin?
Research indicates that Azithromycin can lower the incidence of traveller’s diarrhoea by more than 90%.
Research indicates that it can relieve traveller’s diarrhoea in just 72 hours.
Antibiotic treatment typically reduces the length of diarrhoea symptoms by one to two days.
It's a treatment that's widely used by organisations around the world, including the US Military, because it's easy to take and convenient for travel.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that you can only get with a prescription. A healthcare professional will need to discuss your health, medical history, and travel plans with you before they can prescribe it.
If your clinician believes Azithromycin isn't right for you, they can recommend other treatments for traveller’s diarrhoea. People react differently to medication and new surroundings. If Azithromycin doesn't seem to be effective, have a chat with your clinician.
Q: Why should I buy Azithryomycin online with Treated?
Treated assists you in making informed choices about your medication. Discuss your health with us, and we'll identify treatments specifically suited to you.
If you encounter any issues or simply need some advice, feel free to log in to your account and send a message to our clinician. Even if you don't have any questions, we'll still reach out to you once your treatment begins to ensure it's effective and that you're satisfied with it.
If you travel frequently, our user-friendly subscriptions could be just what you need. They're flexible and can be changed, paused, or cancelled without any hassle. We'll deliver your medication straight to your door in discreet packaging.

How to take Azithromycin
Ensure that you drink bottled water to stay hydrated when you have traveller’s diarrhoea as dehydration can worsen the symptoms of it.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Azithromycin?
If you accidentally take too much Azithromycin, it's important to get medical help straight away. You can do this by contacting a doctor or pharmacist, or by heading to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of taking too much Azithromycin include feeling sick, vomiting, and hearing loss. Make sure to bring your medication with you to the hospital so you can show the healthcare professional what you've taken.
If you forget to take Azithromycin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and carry on with your usual schedule. Never take two doses at once.
If you have any questions about your treatment, you can log into your Treated account and message one of our expert clinicians for advice and reassurance.