digestive disorders
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Fluids Medications that stop diarrhea (antidiarrheal medications) Sometimes antibiotics or antiparasitic medications When symptoms occur, treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids and taking antidiarrheal medications such asloperamide. These medications are not given to children under 18 years of age with acute diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications are also not given to people who have recently used antibiotics, who have bloody diarrhea, who have small amounts of blood in the stool that are too small to be seen, or who have diarrhea and fever. Antibiotics are not necessary for mild traveler's diarrhea. However, if diarrhea is more severe (3 or more loose stools over 8 hours), antibiotics are often given. Adults may be givenciprofloxacin,levofloxacin,azithromycin, orrifaximin. Children may be givenazithromycin. Antibiotics are not given if a virus is the cause. Antiparasitic medications are given if a parasite is identified in the stool. Travelers are encouraged to seek medical care if they develop fever or blood in the stool. 