// Travel Medications

Standby Antibiotics and Advice at Our Medway Travel Clinic

Don’t let travellers’ diarrhoea ruin your holiday. Get expert advice and standby antibiotics at Medway Travel Clinic.

Travellers' Diarrhoea Treatment

Standby antibiotic supply

Cipro, Azithromycin, Rifaximin

£2 per tablet

At symptom onset

Pre-supplied, use abroad

Rehydration and probiotics

Included

// How It Works

How to Get Your Travellers Diarrhoea Prescription at Our Medway Clinic

Get expert travel health advice and same-day standby antibiotics custom to your specific trip.

Step 01

Book Your Appointment

Choose a time that suits you. No GP referral needed.

Step 02

Health & Travel Assessment

We assess your destination and health to select the medication.

Step 03

Receive Your Medication

Get your antibiotics and clear instructions during your same-day visit.

Step 04

Journey with Confidence

Pack your meds, knowing you’re prepared if symptoms strike abroad.

// High-Risk Destinations

The Destinations Where Travellers Diarrhoea Is Most Likely to Strike

Destinations with poor hygiene and unsafe water present the highest risk. Even careful travellers can be affected in these environments.

Indonesia

Common pathogens : ETEC, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia

Peru

Common pathogens : ETEC, Cyclospora, Campylobacter, norovirus

Egypt

Common pathogens : ETEC, Campylobacter, Salmonella, norovirus

Turkey

Common pathogens : ETEC, Campylobacter, Salmonella

Morocco

Common pathogens : ETEC, Campylobacter, Shigella

Thailand

Common pathogens : ETEC, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Cyclospora

India

Common pathogens : Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Giardia

Nigeria

Common pathogens : ETEC, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae

// Diseases Overview

What Travellers Diarrhoea Actually Is and What Triggers It

Travellers diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal illness from consuming food or water contaminated with harmful germs.

How Travellers Diarrhoea Is Contracted

It spreads via contaminated food and water, including local produce or poor sanitation. Avoiding street food helps, but staying prepared is key.

Symptoms to Watch For

Watch for cramps, nausea, and loose stools. Seek medical help if you experience fever, bloody stools, or severe dehydration.

// Vaccination Guide

Standby Antibiotics We Supply at Our Medway Clinic

We’ll tailor your standby antibiotic choice based on your specific destination, pathogens, and health history.

Azithromycin

The preferred choice for South and Southeast Asia, where resistance to other options is high. It’s effective, widely used, and generally safe during pregnancy.

Ciprofloxacin

A broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against many bacterial pathogens. It’s often suitable for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Not ideal for parts of Asia due to resistance.

Rifaximin

A gut-targeted antibiotic that doesn’t enter the bloodstream. It’s great for mild, uncomplicated diarrhoea, but not suitable for severe cases involving fever or blood.

Side Effects and Why Responsible Antibiotic Use Matters

Common side effects like nausea or headaches are usually mild. Always use antibiotics responsibly, follow your clinician’s guidance, and never share medication to help prevent antibiotic resistance.

// Eligibility

Is a Standby Antibiotic Worth It for Your Trip?

Standby antibiotics are vital for high-risk travel, remote destinations, or managing underlying health conditions.

Recommended For

Visitors to high-risk areas in South/Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America
Immunocompromised patients facing higher risks from gastrointestinal infections
Individuals with diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease
Those travelling to remote regions with limited medical access
Older travellers at greater clinical risk from dehydration
Users of diuretics or blood pressure medications sensitive to fluid loss
Anyone seeking a pre-departure treatment plan

Who should seek additional advice first or may not be suitable

Fluoroquinolone allergy. Ciprofloxacin unsuitable; alternatives will be discussed
Macrolide allergy. Azithromycin unsuitable; clinician will advise alternatives
Pregnant women. Individual assessment required; Azithromycin generally safest option
Children. Dosing differs; individual clinical assessment always required
Significant liver disease. Some antibiotics unsuitable; clinician will advise
Current medications. Full interaction review carried out at appointment

Always tell your pharmacist about any current medications, allergies, or medical conditions before your appointment.

// Risk

Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Rifaximin: Which One Suits Your Destination?

We select the most effective antibiotic for your trip based on destination and health needs.

Ciprofloxacin

Azithromycin

Rifaximin

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

// Timeline

Who Is Most at Risk of Serious Complications From Travellers Diarrhoea?

While usually manageable, some travelers face higher risks of serious complications and extra care.

Risk Group

Why They Are More Vulnerable

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

// Travel Safety Tips

How to Prevent Travellers Diarrhoea and What to Do When It Hits

Standby antibiotics provide backup if prevention fails. Strict food and water hygiene remains your primary defence in high-risk areas.

Prevention. Food, Water, and Hygiene

Drink bottled or boiled water only; avoid tap water and ice
Eat freshly cooked, hot food only; avoid food left standing
Avoid raw shellfish, seafood, salads, and unpeeled fruit or vegetables
Wash hands thoroughly with soap before meals and after toileting
Use alcohol hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable

Self-Treatment at Onset

Start oral rehydration salts immediately; rehydration is the priority
Begin standby antibiotic if three or more loose stools develop daily
Complete the full antibiotic course even if symptoms improve early
Loperamide may assist but avoid if fever or bloody stool present
Continue fluids throughout and rest where possible

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Seek immediate care if high fever accompanies diarrhoeal symptoms
Blood or mucus in stool requires prompt assessment; do not self-treat
Dizziness, confusion, reduced urination, or dark urine needs urgent review
Seek advice if symptoms have not improved within 48 hours
Infants, young children, or immunocompromised travellers require immediate medical assessment

// Meet our expert

Qualified Professionals You Can Rely On

Meet the pharmacist who gets you ready before you fly.

Mandeep Sandhu

Superintendent Pharmacist & Clinical Lead

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.

MPharm Qualified

A fully GPhC-registered pharmacist.

Independent Prescriber

Qualified to independently prescribe and provide travel medicines

Yellow Fever Accredited

Accredited Yellow Fever centre providing vaccinations and official ICVP documentation.

NaTHNaC Trained

Specialist travel health education following national UK standards

// Areas We Serve

Based in Medway, Covering the Whole of Kent

Located at 139 New Road, Chatham, our clinic serves patients across the Medway towns and Kent. If you need a private travel clinic in Kent with a full vaccine range and same-day availability, book online today.

// Why Choose Us

Why Kent Travellers Come to Our Clinic

As travel specialists rather than a general GP surgery, we provide faster access and comprehensive advice in a single visit.

Same-week appointments

With no GP referral needed; walk in prepared, not turned away.

The full vaccine range

A full vaccine range is stocked on-site at all times; no ordering ahead or coming back.

Antimalarials and vaccines sorted

Antimalarials and vaccines sorted in one appointment; nothing left for a second visit.

Personalised advice

Personalised advice built around your specific trip destination, activities, and health history are all considered.

Emailed vaccination records

Emailed vaccination records are sent after every appointment; your health history is always documented and ready.

// Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

Real experiences from patients who trusted our Medway travel clinic for their vaccinations and travel health advice.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 10 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sunen Patel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience at Medway Travel Clinic while getting everything sorted for my trip to South America. The clinic is modern, clean, and well-run, which really helped put me at ease. Booking was simple, and there were plenty of appointment slots to choose from, even at short notice. I was especially impressed that they had all the necessary vaccines in stock, so I could get everything done in one visit. Mandeep was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain each vaccine and what to expect, which made the whole process smooth and reassuring. Highly recommended for anyone planning overseas travel!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   T-Mobile T-Mobile 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent staff and service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Usman Ali 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended for travel vaccines
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachael Clifton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot fault this service.  The whole pharmacy team are very helpful and approachable. Mandeep, the pharmacist dealt with my travel queries and vaccinations.  I was very unsure as it was my first time going abroad but he talked me through everything and explained which vaccines I needed. The jabs didn't even hurt! He was amazing. A1 service. 100% recommend. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarfaraz Riaz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class service. Would recommend to try these guys out! Amazing service. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Balraj 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Medway Travel Clinic made preparing for my trip so easy. The location is convenient, and I had no issues with parking – plenty of spaces available. I was able to book an appointment without any hassle, and there were lots of time slots to choose from. I went in for my yellow fever vaccination, and the pharmacist prescriber was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, offering great advice tailored to my destination. I felt completely at ease and well looked after. Highly recommend for travel health needs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kitty Atwal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Medway Travel Clinic for my rabies vaccine ahead of my trip to Thailand, and I couldn’t have asked for a better service. The clinic is in a really convenient location with easy parking, and booking an appointment was quick and hassle-free. The pharmacist prescriber was incredibly experienced and clearly very skilled at administering vaccines, the whole process was smooth and painless. They also took the time to explain everything in detail, which made me feel confident and well informed. I’d highly recommend Medway Travel Clinic to anyone preparing for travel.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Madeleine Mortimer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot recommend Mandeep enough. He is knowledgeable, helpful, and put me at ease. I would definitely go to him in the future - his advice was in depth and his role as a pharmacist prescriber means he can offer more than other pharmacies.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Leanne Parkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Came in yesterday for some travel vaccines. Mandeep the pharmacist was thorough and couldn’t have been more helpful. Would definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gary Marchant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There is one pharmacy here, some very odd opening hours and long lunch break, some parking spaces behind at £2:40 minimum for first hour, if no spaces "walk the gauntlet" through Chatham High Street to get there!!

// FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standby antibiotic and how does it work?

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.

Which standby antibiotic is right for my destination?

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.

How much does the travellers' diarrhoea appointment cost at Medway Travel Clinic?

Pricing is confirmed during your appointment. There is no separate consultation fee when medication is supplied on the day.

Should I take the antibiotic as soon as I have any loose stool?

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.

Can I get oral rehydration salts from the clinic as well?

Yes, rehydration salts and probiotics are available as add-ons during your consultation.

Is a standby antibiotic suitable for children?

Children require individual assessment for specific dosing. Provide your child’s age and weight during the consultation for custom advice.

// Visit Us

Find Us: Your Local Travel Clinic in Medway

We are easy to find and conveniently located in central Chatham.

Contact Details

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday:

9AM–6:15 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

// Blog

Latest Travel Health Tips and Advice

// Get Protected Today

Book Your Travellers Diarrhoea Appointment in Medway Today

Book in minutes with same-day appointments often available. Travel prepared with the correct medication and a clear plan.