Ciprofloxacin (Traveler's Diarrhea)
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and one of the CDC's recommended options for self-treatment of traveler's diarrhea acquired in most regions outside South and Southeast Asia. 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
Ciprofloxacin is the CDC's primary recommendation for traveler's diarrhea in Africa, Central/South America, and the Middle East. It targets enterotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, and is typically taken as a single 750 mg dose or 500 mg twice daily for 1–3 days.
For South and Southeast Asia, Azithromycin is preferred due to rising fluoroquinolone resistance. The CDC recommends self-treatment when diarrhea is incapacitating or accompanied by fever or bloody stools.
Wandr Health vs. a traditional travel clinic
Trips where travelers use Ciprofloxacin
Other travel medications
When travelers use this
- Trips to Africa, Central/South America, or the Middle East where TD risk is moderate to high
- Travelers who want a self-treatment option on hand for moderate-to-severe diarrhea
- Business travelers or those on tight itineraries who cannot afford days of illness
- Backpackers, adventure travelers, and cruise passengers visiting multiple ports
Compare with Azithromycin
The CDC recommends Azithromycin over Ciprofloxacin for travelers to South and Southeast Asia due to higher fluoroquinolone resistance rates. For all other regions, Ciprofloxacin remains a first-line option.
View Azithromycin→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, a consultation fee of $75–$150 typically applies on top of the medication cost.
The CDC recommends Ciprofloxacin for most travel destinations outside South and Southeast Asia, where fluoroquinolone resistance is low. For travel to South or Southeast Asia (particularly India, Nepal, Thailand), Azithromycin is the preferred first-line option due to higher rates of resistant Campylobacter.
Most travelers experience significant improvement within 24–48 hours of starting Ciprofloxacin. The CDC recommends a single 750 mg dose or a 1–3 day course of 500 mg twice daily, depending on symptom severity and provider recommendation.
Ciprofloxacin can interact with certain antacids, iron supplements, and dairy products, which reduce absorption. It should not be taken with certain heart medications. All prescriptions through Wandr Health are reviewed by a licensed clinician who screens for contraindications.