Don’t let travellers’ diarrhoea ruin your holiday. Get expert advice and standby antibiotics at Medway Travel Clinic.
We assess your destination and health to select the medication.
Get your antibiotics and clear instructions during your same-day visit.
Common pathogens : Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Giardia
Standby antibiotics are vital for high-risk travel, remote destinations, or managing underlying health conditions.
We select the most effective antibiotic for your trip based on destination and health needs.
Best suited destinations
Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America
India, South/Southeast Asia (high quinolone resistance)
Destinations with predominantly ETEC-related
Typical dose
500mg twice daily
500mg daily or 1g single dose
200mg three times daily
Duration of treatment
3 days
1 to 3 days
3 days
Key restrictions
Fluoroquinolone allergy, pregnancy, tendon history
Avoid macrolide allergies, liver disease, or drug interactions.
Not for bloody diarrhoea or fever; availability may vary
Resistance concerns
Avoid for South/Southeast Asia due to high quinolone resistance
Low resistance; preferred for Asia
Minimal systemic resistance impact (not absorbed).
Pregnancy suitability
India, South/Southeast Asia (high quinolone resistance)
Preferred antibiotic option when indicated
Not recommended
Not sure which antibiotic suits your trip? Our pharmacist will recommend the right option at your appointment based on your destination and health profi
Immunocompromised patients
Lowered immunity increases the risk of severe, long-term illness
Older travellers
Reduced physical reserves mean dehydration becomes critical faster in older age
Those with inflammatory bowel disease
Infections may trigger severe IBD flares needing urgent care
Diabetic patients
Illness can disrupt blood sugar and medication uptake
Those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors
Dehydration significantly raises risks for those on these specific medications
Travellers in remote areas without medical access
Lack of immediate care increases severe dehydration risks
Infants and young children travelling to high-risk destinations
Children dehydrate and deteriorate much faster than adults
Since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2006, Mandeep Sandhu has turned travel health into his life’s work. As an independent prescriber with expert NaTHNaC and Yellow Fever credentials, he focuses on giving you genuine peace of mind before you fly.
Mandeep is an avid traveler himself, so he knows that travel health isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” process. He rejects the generic checklist approach, preferring to sit down with you to discuss your unique plans. Whether you’re heading on a family holiday or a remote adventure, Mandeep provides the personal, professional care you deserve.
A fully GPhC-registered pharmacist.
Qualified to independently prescribe and provide travel medicines
Accredited Yellow Fever centre providing vaccinations and official ICVP documentation.
Specialist travel health education following national UK standards
Real experiences from patients who trusted our Medway travel clinic for their vaccinations and travel health advice.
A standby antibiotic is a pre-travel course taken only if significant symptoms develop abroad, avoiding the need to find local medical care while unwell.
Selection depends on local resistance. Azithromycin is preferred for South and Southeast Asia, while Ciprofloxacin is often used for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Your clinician will recommend the best option.
Pricing is confirmed during your appointment. There is no separate consultation fee when medication is supplied on the day.
No. Mild cases may resolve with rehydration. Antibiotics are for significant illness, typically three or more loose stools daily plus symptoms like cramping. Follow your clinician’s specific guidance.
Yes, rehydration salts and probiotics are available as add-ons during your consultation.
Children require individual assessment for specific dosing. Provide your child’s age and weight during the consultation for custom advice.
