Azithromycin (Traveler's Diarrhea)
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and the CDC's first-line recommendation for traveler's diarrhea in South and Southeast Asia, where fluoroquinolone resistance is prevalent. Through Wandr Health, a US-licensed provider reviews your request in an $89 online visit — no appointment needed — and sends the prescription to the pharmacy you choose.
Overview
Traveler's diarrhea affects 30–70% of international travelers (CDC). Azithromycin targets the most common bacterial causes — Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and Shigella — and is the CDC's preferred first-line option for South and Southeast Asia, where fluoroquinolone resistance is high.
Typically taken as a single 1,000 mg dose or 500 mg daily for 3 days. The CDC recommends self-treatment when diarrhea is incapacitating or accompanied by fever or bloody stools. Having a course on hand lets you begin treatment immediately.
Wandr Health vs. a traditional travel clinic
Trips where travelers use Azithromycin
Other travel medications
When travelers use this
- Trips to South and Southeast Asia where fluoroquinolone resistance is common
- Travelers who need a broad-spectrum option effective against Campylobacter
- Those with fluoroquinolone allergies or contraindications
- Backpackers and long-term travelers in high-risk regions like India and Nepal
Compare with Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is the CDC's preferred option for most destinations outside South and Southeast Asia where fluoroquinolone resistance is low.
View Ciprofloxacin→Related guides
Wandr Health follows CDC guidelines for responsible antibiotic prescribing. All antibiotic prescriptions are reviewed by a licensed provider who evaluates appropriateness based on your destination and health profile.
Read our stewardship policy →Frequently asked questions
A Wandr Health provider visit is $89 and covers the licensed provider review, personalized recommendations, and prescription. Your prescription is sent to your preferred pharmacy, where you pay for the medication separately. At a traditional travel clinic, you would typically pay a $75–$150 consultation fee on top of the medication cost.
The CDC recommends Azithromycin as the first-line antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea acquired in South and Southeast Asia due to high rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter in the region. For most other destinations, Ciprofloxacin remains a primary option.
The CDC recommends self-treatment when diarrhea is incapacitating (preventing normal activities) or accompanied by fever or bloody stools. It is typically taken as a single 1,000 mg dose or a 500 mg daily course for 3 days, depending on your provider’s instructions.
Azithromycin is generally considered safe for pediatric use and is one of the few antibiotics recommended for traveler’s diarrhea in children. Dosing is weight-based. All prescriptions through Wandr Health are reviewed by a licensed clinician based on individual health profiles.