Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin?

Traveller’s diarrhoea is very common, especially when travelling to high risk areas such as South America, Africa and the Middle East. Symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, bloating and frequent bowel movements.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is caused by a bacteria, most commonly E-coli. The bacteria, found in water and food, enters the gut and your body acts to remove it through your stools. It can also be caused by a virus such as norovirus and by infections caused by parasites such as cryptosporidiosis.

Avoiding piped water, ice cubes and raw food are proven ways to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea. It’s also important to maintain good hand hygiene when travelling to reduce the risk of spreading infections that cause traveller’s diarrhoea.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that helps treat and prevent traveller’s diarrhoea by killing the bacteria that causes it.

How does Azithromycin work?

In order to survive and spread, bacteria need proteins found in cells. When this is available, the bacteria will multiply and spread, and this makes the effects of traveller’s diarrhoea worse.

Azithromycin prevents the bacteria from creating the proteins that it needs and this weakens it and stops it from multiplying.

What doses of Azithromycin are there?

Azithromycin tablets are available in two doses: 250mg and 500mg. The typical dose is 500mg daily; this can be taken as a single 500mg tablet or two 250mg tablets. Your clinician will recommend taking it for three days, or until your symptoms improve.

Though we don’t offer this option at the moment, for people who cannot or prefer not to take tablets, Azithromycin oral suspension is also available. It comes as a powder that needs to be reconstituted with a little water.

How to take Azithromycin

Swallow Azithromycin whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. Make sure to finish your full course of antibiotics, as failing to do so can cause reinfection and antibiotic resistance.

If your symptoms don’t improve after completing the treatment, let your clinician know. They might increase your dose or suggest an alternative treatment.

Ensure that you drink bottled water to stay hydrated when you have diarrhoea, as dehydration can worsen your symptoms and make you feel weaker.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Azithromycin?

If you take too much Azithromycin you should seek medical attention immediately. You can do this by contacting a clinician or pharmacist or going to the nearest hospital. Signs that you have taken too much Azithromycin include nausea, vomiting and loss of hearing. Take your treatment to the hospital with you so that you can show a medical professional what you have taken.

If you forget to take Azithromycin you should take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, you should skip the dose you missed and continue as normal. Never take a double dose of Azithromycin.

If you have any questions about your treatment you can log into your Treated account and send a message to one of expert clinicians for advice and reassurance.