What Are The Treatments For Chlamydia
If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or taking doxycycline twice daily for 7 to 14 days are the most common treatments and are the same for those with or without HIV.
With treatment, the infection should clear up in about a week. Do not have sex for at least 7 days until you have taken all of your medication, and do not stop taking the antibiotics even if you feel better.
Your doctor will also recommend that your partner be treated as well to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.
Women with serious infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, may require a longer course of antibiotics or hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. Some severe pelvic infections may require surgery in addition to antibiotic therapy.
Make sure you get retested after three months to be certain the infection is gone. Do this even if your partner has been treated and appears to be infection free.
Does Azithromycin Cure Chlamydia
Cure rates of 97% were reported in an analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials that investigated the use of azithromycin 1 gram for the treatment of chlamydia. That means for every 100 people with chlamydia who take azithromycin, 97 will be cured and 3 will not be cured.
This relies on the person with chlamydia taking azithromycin exactly as directed and not sharing the medication with anyone. Any sexual partners must be also treated.
Although azithromycin cures chlamydia in most people, it will not repair any permanent damage done to tissues by the disease.
If you have been symptomatic with chlamydia before treatment and your symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, then ask to be re-evaluated by your health care provider.
Unfortunately, repeat infection with chlamydia is common. This means that even though azithromycin has cured your current infection with chlamydia, this does not mean you will not get chlamydia again. If your sexual partners have not been appropriately treated, you are at high-risk for reinfection. Having chlamydia multiple times puts women at high risk of fertility problems, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Infants born to mothers who are infected with chlamydia may develop chlamydial conjunctivitis and/or pneumonia. Chlamydial infection in infants can be treated with antibiotics.
Why Change Advice About Chlamydia Treatment
In the past, chlamydia was often treated with a single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin.
Azithromycin was felt to be a good first choice, because taking just the 1mg dose results in very good antibiotic levels in the blood stream for several days, without the need to take further tablets.
Azithromycin taken as a single dose, was also ideal, because it was easier for patients to take all their treatment at once. The alternative treatment option, was a 7-day course of doxcycline, but in fact, many people never finish a 7-day course of antibiotics.
In a clinic setting, the doctor/nurse would often watch you swallow the azithromycin tablets there and then, meaning this ensured the complete regime had been taken.
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Do I Need To Eat When Taking Azithromycin
The official advice states that azithromycin can be taken with or without food, however, we recommend taking azithromycin 1-2 hours before a meal, so that food does not affect the absorption of the tablets. You should avoid drinking milk or having any indigestion remedies 2 hours before or after taking the tablets, as this may affect the absorption of azithromycin.
When Should I See My Doctor
You should visit your GP or pharmacist if you are taking any medication that potentially may interact with azithromycin, you fall into the category of those in whom azithromycin may not be safe, you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Generally speaking, there is no need to visit your clinician again after treatment with azithromycin, as it has a very high success rate. If symptoms persist, there is a small chance it can still be chlamydia that hasnt been cured, but it is more likely to be attributed to another condition. You should see your doctor about getting further tests done such as a full STD screen.
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Summary Of The Evidence
There is no evidence relating to patient values and preferences but the Guideline Development Group agreed that there is probably no variability in the values people place on the outcomes. Research related to other conditions indicates that adherence may be improved with simpler medication regimens. The GDG therefore agreed that azithromycin may be more acceptable to patients since it is a single dose regimen . There is little to no evidence for equity issues and feasibility. Resistance in other infections that often co-occur with chlamydia may restrict the use of some medicines, such as ofloxacin. For many of these medicines, costs may differ between countries in places with high incidence of chlamydia, the cost differences between azithromycin and doxycycline may be large due to greater numbers of people requiring treatment.
In summary, there was moderate quality evidence for trivial differences in benefits and harms between azithromycin and doxycycline, and although the cost of azithromycin is higher, the single dose may make it more convenient to use than doxycycline. While the differences are also trivial with the other medicines, the evidence is low quality and these are therefore provided as alternatives, with the exception of delayed-release doxycycline, which is currently expensive.
See for list of references of reviewed evidence, and for details of the evidence reviewed, including evidence profiles and evidence-to-decision frameworks .
Long Term Complications Of Chlamydia In Males And Females
- Chlamydia can affect the eye, and cause conjunctivitis. This is a major cause of blindness in under developed countries.
- Chlamydia also affect the joints, causing a painful arthritis called Sexually Acquired Reactive Arthritis .
- Reiters syndrome is a medical condition which is often precipitated by an episode of chlamydial infection. Patients develop a triad of symptoms: urethritis, uveitis, and arthritis.
If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, dont ignore it you must seek help without delay.
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Azithromycin No Longer First Choice Treatment For Chlamydia
Posted on by Dr Tony Steele– Dr Fox is a CQC& GPhC regulated service.
Guidelines about chlamydia treatment have recently been .
A 7-day course of doxycycline is now the recommended antibiotic for chlamydia infections.
- Have you recently tested positive for chlamydia?
- Do you need help and advice regarding treatment?
If so, read on we can help!
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Azithromycin For Chlamydia
Yes, you may drink a small amount of alcohol while you are taking azithromycin but there is a chance large amounts of alcohol may increase the gastrointestinal side effects of azithromycin, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, or flatulence. Too much alcohol with azithromycin may also give you a headache.
Because azithromycin is usually taken as a one-off dose, drinking alcohol is unlikely to stop azithromycin from curing chlamydia.
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Preparation Of The Solution For Intravenous Administration
The infusate concentration and rate of infusion for azithromycin for injection should be either 1 mg/mL over 3 hr or 2 mg/mL over 1 hr. Azithromycin for injection should not be given as a bolus or as an intramuscular injection.ReconstitutionPrepare the initial solution of azithromycin for injection by adding 4.8 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to the 500 mg vial, and shaking the vial until all of the drug is dissolved. Since azithromycin for injection is supplied under vacuum, it is recommended that a standard 5 mL syringe be used to ensure that the exact amount of 4.8 mL of Sterile Water is dispensed. Each mL of reconstituted solution contains 100 mg azithromycin. Reconstituted solution is stable for 24 hr when stored below 30°C . Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. If particulate matter is evident in reconstituted fluids, the drug solution should be discarded.Dilute this solution further prior to administration as instructed below.Dilution To provide azithromycin over a concentration range of 1 to 2 mg/mL, transfer 5 mL of the 100 mg/mL azithromycin solution into the appropriate amount of any of the diluents listed below: Normal Saline 1/2 Normal Saline 5% Dextrose in Water 5% Dextrose in 1/2 Normal Saline with 20 mEq KCl 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringers Solution 5% Dextrose in 1/3 Normal Saline 5% Dextrose in 1/2 Normal Saline Normosol®-M in 5% Dextrose Normosol®-R in 5% Dextrose
What Is The Typical Z
Z-Packs are available as a package containing 6 tablets, 250 mg each. Youll start by taking 2 tablets on the first day as a single dose, followed by 1 tablet on days 2 through 5. For children, the dosing is typically based on their weight and what condition is being treated. Theres a similar product called the Tri-Pak that comes with 3 tablets of azithromycin, each containing 500 mg. With this product, you typically take one tablet daily for 3 days.
Its important to take your Z-pack as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time every day youre supposed to take it until you finish the entire prescription regimen. Not completing your treatment can increase the risk that your infection returns and that the bacteria start becoming insensitive to azithromycin, known as antibiotic resistance. This makes the bacteria more difficult to treat.
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How Is Chlamydia Treated During Pregnancy
Because Doxycycline and Ofloxacin are not suitable for use in pregnancy, expectant mothers requiring chlamydia treatment will be given an alternative.
NICE recommends that prescribers consider one of the following in such cases:
- a three day course of Azithromycin
- or a seven day course of Erythromycin
- or a 14-day course of Erythromycin
- or a seven day course of Amoxicillin
Of course every case is different, and dependent on a patients medical profile.
How Antibiotics For Chlamydia Are Administered
Antibiotics for uncomplicated genital chlamydia infections are taken orally.
- Where Azithromycin is used, it is given as a three day course. This will usually be two 500mg tablets on the first day, followed by one 500mg tablet on the second and third days.
- If Doxycycline is used, NICE recommends 100mg taken twice a day for one week. So one dose might be one 100mg tablet, or two 50mg tablets.
- Ofloxacin might be given as a once daily 400mg dose for one week, or a 200mg dose twice daily for one week.
- Erythromycin for chlamydia might also be prescribed in one of two ways: as a 500mg dose taken four times daily for one week or as a 500mg dose taken twice a day for up to two weeks.
- Amoxicillin is given as a 500mg dose , taken three times daily for one week.
However, in any case, you should always follow the specific instructions issued to you by your doctor.
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Drug Treatment Of Common Stds: Part Ii Vaginal Infections Pelvic Inflammatory Disease And Genital Warts
CAROL WOODWARD, PHARM.D., West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia West Virginia
MELANIE A. FISHER, M.D., M.SC., University, Morgantown, West Virginia
Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 15 60:1716-1722.
This is Part II of a two-part article on drug treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Part I, Herpes, Syphilis, Urethritis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, appeared in the October 1 issue .
This article focuses on vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and genital warts, with brief mention of proctitis, enteritis and ectoparasitic infections. It should be noted that vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis are included in the following discussion, although these infections are not sexually transmitted. They are frequently diagnosed at the same time as sexually transmitted diseases , however, and the treatments often overlap.
Where You Can Get Chlamydia Treatment From
Ideally, you should always get tested and treated for STIs in person.
The recommended place to get tested and treated for chlamydia and other STIs is at a genitourinary medicine clinic. They provide specialist services in this particular area, and can also provide assistance to patients who need to notify their partners. Following testing, those requiring treatment for chlamydia will be advised to return to the clinic, where they will be issued a prescription for the medication they need by a healthcare professional. This can then be dispensed at any chemist.
A GP will strongly advise someone who thinks they may have an STI to go to a GUM clinic. However, in cases where a person is either unable or unwilling to go to a GUM clinic, a GP practice may be able to offer testing and treatment.
People who are unable to attend a consultation in person at their GUM clinic or GP can also access testing and treatment services online. Self-testing kits are available to buy from online pharmacies, and many of these platforms also offer remote consultations with practising doctors. These doctors can then prescribe treatment in cases where someone has a positive test result, or again if the patient is experiencing symptoms which strongly point towards chlamydia.
It is not possible to purchase self-testing kits or chlamydia treatment from our online service.
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Infant Pneumonia Caused By C Trachomatis
Chlamydial pneumonia among infants typically occurs at age 13 months and is a subacute pneumonia. Characteristic signs of chlamydial pneumonia among infants include a repetitive staccato cough with tachypnea and hyperinflation and bilateral diffuse infiltrates on a chest radiograph. In addition, peripheral eosinophilia occurs frequently. Because clinical presentations differ, all infants aged 13 months suspected of having pneumonia, especially those whose mothers have a history of, are at risk for , or suspected of having a chlamydial infection should be tested for C. trachomatis and treated if infected.
Diagnostic Considerations
Specimens for chlamydial testing should be collected from the nasopharynx. Tissue culture is the definitive standard diagnostic test for chlamydial pneumonia. Nonculture tests can be used. DFA is the only nonculture FDA-cleared test for detecting C. trachomatis from nasopharyngeal specimens however, DFA of nasopharyngeal specimens has a lower sensitivity and specificity than culture. NAATs are not cleared by FDA for detecting chlamydia from nasopharyngeal specimens, and clinical laboratories should verify the procedure according to CLIA regulations . Tracheal aspirates and lung biopsy specimens, if collected, should be tested for C. trachomatis.
Treatment
Erythromycin base or ethylsuccinate 50 mg/kg body weight/day orally divided into 4 doses daily for 14 days
Azithromycin suspension 20 mg/kg body weight/day orally, 1 dose daily for 3 days
How Long Does Azithromycin 500 Mg Take To Cure Chlamydia
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Doxycycline Resistance And C Trachomatis
Despite the absence of recent MIC data for C. trachomatis, low values of MICs of doxycycline were reported in the literature with MIC90 usually0.125 mg/L.,, Interestingly, doxycycline minimum chlamydiacidal concentrations varied according to the clinical presentation and the bacterial serovar, with lower MCCs in cases of asymptomatic infection than in mucopurulent cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, and the highest MCCs observed for serovar Ia and J in mucopurulent cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. In contrast, no MIC or MCC difference was observed between isolates recovered in the case of treatment failure or persistence compared with single-episode isolates. From these data and treatment success rates, pathogen resistance is expected to be low. However, tetracycline- and doxycycline-resistant isolates and isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics have been reported, some of thembut not allbeing involved in relapsing or persistent infection.
Is Treatment Always Necessary For Chlamydia
Yes, treatment is necessary for chlamydia, particularly in women of childbearing age, because it reduces the risk of chlamydia-associated ectopic pregnancy, fertility problems, and the transmission of chlamydia to neonates during birth. In women, of all ages, chlamydia treatment reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
In men, treatment for chlamydia stops them from infecting or reinfecting sexual partners with the bacteria.
Treat any person testing positive for chlamydia with a recommended course of antibiotics promptly. Delays in treatment have been associated with complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Perspectives Of Doxycycline Use In Stis
Recently, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis using a combination of the antiretroviral drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine has been recommended for preventing HIV infection among individuals at high risk, including MSM. In September 2015, the WHO recommended offering PrEP for all persons at substantial risk of HIV infection including MSM. A recent meta-analysis reported that MSM using PrEP were significantly more likely to acquire a N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis or syphilis compared with MSM not using PrEP. Recreational drug use in MSM and the association with sexual risk behaviour have been documented on an international level and in Western Europe, where transmission of HIV and other STIs remains high. This partly explains why MSM are a high-risk STI group. These practices, called ChemSex are defined by the use of certain sexually-disinhibiting recreational drugs before or during sex with the specific purpose of facilitating or enhancing sex.
The questions about doxycycline in prophylaxis of bacterial STIs concern the safety and the risk for acquired resistance. Use of doxycycline in clinical practice to prevent STI, particularly C. trachomatis and syphilis, is still not validated, pending further analysis.
How Do I Know If I Have Chlamydia
If you suspect you have chlamydia, your doctor may want to test cervical or penile discharge or urine using one of several available methods.
In most cases of chlamydia, the cure rate is 95%. However, because many women don’t know they have the disease until it has caused serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually active women under age 25 and others at higher risk should be tested for chlamydia once a year during their annual pelvic exam even if they dont have symptoms.
Pregnant women should also be tested as part of their routine lab work.
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