Online visit · $45 flat · No video

Traveler's diarrhea antibiotics online

By Bidwell Cranage, APRN, FNP-C, Member, International Society of Travel Medicine · Clinically reviewed by Ashley Cranage, APRN, FNP-C · Reviewed June 18, 2026

Yes, you can get a standby antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea online before your trip. Bidwell Health offers a $45 asynchronous visit (no video, no subscription) for adults in eligible states. A licensed nurse practitioner can prescribe a single course of azithromycin to carry and start only if you get hit with the kind of stomach illness travelers call Montezuma's revenge, Delhi belly, or Bali belly.

$45 flat visitNo videoNo subscriptionSent to your pharmacyNo medication markup
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What we prescribe

For moderate to severe traveler's diarrhea, the standby antibiotic is azithromycin (a 1,000 mg single dose, or 500 mg daily for 3 days). It is preferred over older options, especially in South and Southeast Asia where the bacteria have grown resistant to other drugs. We do not prescribe fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin for this, because of tendon-rupture and other risks that are not worth it for a travel convenience.

Pair it with smart self-care: oral rehydration (the most important thing), and loperamide (Imodium) for symptom control, but not loperamide alone if you have a fever or blood in the stool.

Standby treatment, not daily prevention

This is a treatment you carry, not a daily preventive. You start it only if you develop real, disruptive diarrhea on your trip, and it is not for mild, brief loose stool that settles on its own. Taking antibiotics every day to prevent diarrhea is not recommended.

When to skip the pills and get care

Most traveler's diarrhea is self-limited. But high fever, blood in the stool, severe belly pain, or signs of serious dehydration (very little urine, dizziness, confusion) mean you should seek in-person care, not just take the standby antibiotic. And diarrhea that does not improve in 48 to 72 hours needs a clinician.

Who it is for, and who it is not

A good fit if you

  • Are 18 to 64 and in a state we serve
  • Are traveling somewhere with higher diarrhea risk
  • Want a standby course in your bag, just in case

Not a fit if you

  • Have myasthenia gravis or severe liver disease
  • Have a long-QT condition or take QT-prolonging medicines
  • Are allergic to azithromycin or macrolides
  • Already have bloody diarrhea, high fever, or severe symptoms (get in-person care)

How it works

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FAQ

Can I get antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea online?

Yes. Bidwell Health offers a $45 asynchronous online visit, no video and no subscription, for adults in eligible states. A licensed nurse practitioner can prescribe a standby course of azithromycin to carry on your trip, sent to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate.

What antibiotic is best for traveler's diarrhea?

Azithromycin is the preferred standby antibiotic for moderate to severe traveler's diarrhea, including in South and Southeast Asia where other antibiotics have lost effectiveness. We do not use fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin because of tendon and other risks.

Is the antibiotic for prevention or for treatment?

For treatment, not routine prevention. You carry it and start it only if you develop moderate to severe diarrhea during travel. It is not meant to be taken every day to prevent diarrhea, and it is not for mild, brief diarrhea.

How much does the visit cost?

Bidwell Health charges a flat $45 for the online visit, with no video and no subscription. You pay the generic azithromycin price at your own pharmacy, with no markup added by us.

Learn more

Clinically reviewed by Bidwell Cranage, APRN, FNP-C, AANP board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Member, International Society of Travel Medicine.
Last reviewed: June 18, 2026 · References: CDC Yellow Book (Travelers' Diarrhea); DailyMed azithromycin label.