Infections
Medicines for Typhoid fever
A bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, mainly in parts of the world with poorer sanitation — causing prolonged fever, treatable with antibiotics and preventable by vaccination.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread through food or water contaminated with the bacteria, usually where sanitation is poor. In the UK it is almost always seen in travellers returning from affected regions, particularly South Asia.
- How it is treated: Typhoid is treated with antibiotics, guided where possible by testing which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to, as resistance is an increasing problem in some regions.
- Self-care: For travellers to higher-risk areas, the typhoid vaccine, safe food and water practices ("boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it"), and thorough hand hygiene all reduce the risk.
- When to seek help: See a doctor promptly for a fever after travel to a higher-risk area (malaria must also be excluded).
What it is
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread through food or water contaminated with the bacteria, usually where sanitation is poor. In the UK it is almost always seen in travellers returning from affected regions, particularly South Asia. Symptoms develop gradually over one to three weeks after infection and can include a persistent and rising high fever, headache, tummy pain, constipation or diarrhoea, tiredness and loss of appetite; some people develop a faint rash. Without treatment it can cause serious complications. A related, usually milder illness is paratyphoid fever. It is diagnosed with blood, and sometimes stool, tests, and it is important to consider it in anyone with a fever after relevant travel.
How it is treated
Typhoid is treated with antibiotics, guided where possible by testing which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to, as resistance is an increasing problem in some regions. Most people recover well with prompt, appropriate treatment, along with rest and good hydration; more severe illness may need hospital care. Because it is infectious through contaminated food and water, careful hygiene prevents spread, and some people can carry the bacteria after recovery, so follow-up may be advised. Prevention is important for travellers: the typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to higher-risk areas, along with safe food and water practices and good hand hygiene.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Typhoid fever
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
For travellers to higher-risk areas, the typhoid vaccine, safe food and water practices ("boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it"), and thorough hand hygiene all reduce the risk. During illness, completing antibiotics and staying hydrated support recovery.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for a fever after travel to a higher-risk area (malaria must also be excluded). Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent high fever, confusion, or signs of serious illness.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Typhoid fever: frequently asked questions
How do you catch typhoid?
Through food or water contaminated with the bacteria, usually in areas with poorer sanitation. In the UK it is almost always seen in travellers returning from affected regions.
Can typhoid be prevented?
Yes — the typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to higher-risk areas, along with safe food and water practices and good hand hygiene.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Typhoid fever
- TravelHealthPro — Typhoid
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.