Travellers' diarrhea

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis not recommended due to the potential for adverse effects/resistance and the fact that travellers' diarrhea is usually mild and self-limiting; prompt self-treatment is effective and preferred. Counsel on handwashing and food and water precautions.
  • For therapy of specific organisms, see previous Gastroenteritis section.
  • Avoid antimotility agents in children < 2 years old, or children of any age if fever present or blood in stool.
  • In the event of severe travellers' diarrhea, consider providing a 3-day supply of antibiotics, especially for immunocompromised patients, and in particular for asplenic patients as they are at increased risk of Salmonella/Campylobacter bacteremia.