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Traveller’s diarrhoea is diarrhoea that develops during, or shortly after, you have travelled abroad. Diarrhoea is defined as ‘loose or watery stools, usually at least three times in 24 hours’. Traveller’s diarrhoea is commonly caused by eating food or drinking water containing germs (bacteria). In most cases, the symptoms are mild, and the body’s immune system clears them within a few days. Rifaximin is an antibiotic which works within the gastrointestinal system.

It is not absorbed into the body (this means that it is not suitable to treat other types of infection). You may be advised by your doctor to take a supply with you when you travel, ‘just in case’ you develop diarrhoea. You will be prescribed a brand called Xifaxanta®. The tablets are not suitable if you also have a high temperature (fever) or if there is blood in the diarrhoea – you should get medical assistance as soon as possible in these cases. Rifaximin should not be given to children.

Always read the leaflet that is in the packet of Xifaxanta. Things such as precautions and possible side-effects vary between traveller’s diarrhoea medication.