Who Should Take An At
Before you start worrying about amoxicillin, you should first get a proper diagnosis. For cases in which chlamydia orgonorrhea symptoms are present, these are the signs to watch out for:
- More frequent urination or the urge to urinate
- Painful sensation when urinating
- Red and swollen penis near the urinary meatus
- Abnormal discharge or fluid from the penis or vaginal area
- Sore throat that wont go away
- Fever
- Testicular pain and swelling in men
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Heavier period or excessive spotting in women
If you notice any of these symptoms, its in your best interest to purchase an at-home STD kit to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia right away.
Dont assume that you dont need to get tested simply because you arent experiencing any symptoms. In many cases, gonorrhea and chlamydia may not show any visible signs of infection at all. For this reason, every sexually active person should be tested regularly for all common sexually transmitted infections.
In general, the CDC recommends that every sexually active adult get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year.But if you engage in certain sexual activities, you may need to get tested more frequently.This is especially true for people who meet one or more of the following conditions:
Urogenital Infection In Women
In women, chlamydial infection of the lower genital tract occurs in the endocervix. It can cause an odorless, mucoid vaginal discharge, typically with no external pruritus, although many women have minimal or no symptoms.2 An ascending infection can result in pelvic inflammatory disease .
Physical findings of urogenital chlamydial infection in women include cervicitis with a yellow or cloudy mucoid discharge from the os. The cervix tends to bleed easily when rubbed with a polyester swab or scraped with a spatula. Chlamydial infection cannot be distinguished from other urogenital infections by symptoms alone. Clinical microscopy and the amine test can be used to help differentiate chlamydial infection from other lower genital tract infections such as urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.3 In addition, chlamydial infection in the lower genital tract does not cause vaginitis thus, if vaginal findings are present, they usually indicate a different diagnosis or a coinfection.
Some women with C. trachomatis infection develop urethritis symptoms may consist of dysuria without frequency or urgency. A urethral discharge can be elicited by compressing the urethra during the pelvic examination. Urinalysis usually will show more than five white blood cells per high-powered field, but urethral cultures generally are negative.
How To Use Metronidazole
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food or a full glass of water or milk. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
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Time To Development Of Std And Std Rates
Women randomized to metronidazole gel experienced a significantly longer time to development of STD compared to women randomized to observation . The median time to develop STD was 94 days in the observational group and 138 days in the metronidazole group. The 6-month rate of STDs was 2.29/person-year in the observational group compared to a 6-month STD rate of 1.58/person-year in the metronidazole group which was significantly lower. A comparison of STD rates for the 6-month period following the end of the intervention found no significant differences between the groups. The overall STD rates for the entire 12-month period was 1.64 in the observational group and 1.31 in the treatment group. Follow-up was similar in both cohorts . The distribution of STDs in the treatment group over 12 months was as follows: 3 chlamydia, 8 gonorrhea, 16 trichomonas, 3 HSV-2, 3 PID and 2 combined infections. Among the observation group over 12 months there were 13 chlamydia, 4 gonorrhea, 22 trichomonas, 5 HSV-2, 1 PID and 3 combined infections. Thus, the only significant difference between the groups in terms of individual pathogens was chlamydia. The proportion of chlamydia infections in the observation group compared to the treatment group was significantly greater .
Percentage STD Free by Randomization Group among Women with Asymptomatic BV
Does Amoxicillin Fit In Anywhere
As stated, amoxicillin is not a recommended therapy for chlamydia infections.
This is because several studies have reported that penicillin-family antibiotics may not effectively eradicate a chlamydia infection, which may then persist after a course of antibiotics is completed .
Azithromycin is still the preferred treatment during pregnancy.
However, the CDC states that amoxicillin is an option for pregnant women since doxycycline is contraindicated during the second and third trimester and quinolone antibiotics may cause cartilage damage in infants.
If amoxicillin is used in a pregnant woman, the dose recommendation is as follows:
- Amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for 7 days
Recommendations for the treatment of chlamydia in pregnant women is summarized below in a chart provided by the CDC:
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Metronidazole comes as a gel to be used in the vagina. Metronidazole is usually used as a single dose at bedtime or once daily for 5 consecutive days at bedtime . Metronidazole is also used twice daily for 5 days . Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use metronidazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Be careful not to get metronidazole gel in your eyes, mouth, or on your skin. If you do get it in your eyes, wash them with cool water and contact your doctor.
Do not have vaginal intercourse or use other vaginal products during your treatment with the vaginal gel.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Do not freeze or refrigerate it.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are using metronidazole.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the metronidazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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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Chlamydial Infection Among Adolescents And Adults
Chlamydial infection is the most frequently reported bacterial infectious disease in the United States, and prevalence is highest among persons aged 24 years . Multiple sequelae can result from C. trachomatis infection among women, the most serious of which include PID, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Certain women who receive a diagnosis of uncomplicated cervical infection already have subclinical upper genital tract infection.
Asymptomatic infection is common among both men and women. To detect chlamydial infection, health care providers frequently rely on screening tests. Annual screening of all sexually active women aged < 25 years is recommended, as is screening of older women at increased risk for infection . In a community-based cohort of female college students, incident chlamydial infection was also associated with BV and high-risk HPV infection . Although chlamydia incidence might be higher among certain women aged 25 years in certain communities, overall, the largest proportion of infection is among women aged < 25 years .
Does Amoxicillin Treat Std Infections Such As Gonorrhea
Now its time to discuss how to treat STDs with amoxicillin. Each STD is unique, so the treatment options will vary depending on the type of STD you have.
On the whole, gonorrhea tends to be treatable with common drugs such as penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline and doxycycline. With several doses of amoxicillin or a similar drug, gonorrhea can be cured in a few days.
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin have been prescribed by doctors to treat gonorrhea in the past. Of course, even though Amoxicillin is one of the most well-known drugs, that doesnt mean that it is the primary drug of choice for treatment of gonorrhea. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that uncomplicated gonorrhea be treated only with the antibiotic ceftriaxone given as an injection in combination with either azithromycin or doxycycline two antibiotics that are taken orally.
According to the CDC, this combination of prescription medications will successfully treat gonorrhea, but it will not repair permanent damage caused by this STD. For this reason, its important to seek medical treatment right away to ensure you can get rid of this infection before it causes permanent damage.
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Can One Partner Have Trichomoniasis And Not The Other
Women or men who have sex exclusively with a single partner can catch any STI that partner may have, including trichomoniasis, if they have unprotected sex. Most men and almost half of women do not show symptoms of a T. vaginalis infection, so the risk of being unknowingly infected with T. vaginalis by a single partner is higher than it is with other STIs.
Related Resources For Trichomoniasis
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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Management Of Sex Partners
Sex partners should be referred for evaluation, testing, and presumptive treatment if they had sexual contact with the partner during the 60 days preceding the patients onset of symptoms or chlamydia diagnosis. Although the exposure intervals defining identification of sex partners at risk are based on limited data, the most recent sex partner should be evaluated and treated, even if the time of the last sexual contact was > 60 days before symptom onset or diagnosis.
What Will Happen If Trichomoniasis Is Left Untreated
The patients immune system may clear trichomoniasis or reduce symptoms without treatment. However, untreated trichomoniasis can be spread to other sexual partners even without symptoms. Also, untreated trichomoniasis in pregnant women is linked to premature delivery and low birth weight. A T. vaginalis infection also increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections. In men, an untreated infection can spread to the prostate gland or epididymis and could lead to infertility.
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Why Is Metronidazole Prescribed To Patients
- Flagyl is used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, and amebic dysentery , bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas who do not have symptoms of infection.
- Flagyl is also used alone or in combination with other antibiotics in treating abscesses in the liver, pelvis, abdomen, and brain caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
- Flagyl is also used in treating infection of the colon caused by a bacterium called C. difficile. Many commonly-used antibiotics can alter the type of bacteria that inhabit the colon. C. difficile is an anaerobic bacterium that can infect the colon when the normal types of bacteria in the colon are inhibited by common antibiotics. This leads to inflammation of the colon with severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.)
- Flagyl also is used in combination with other drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori that causes stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Flagyl topical gel is used for treating acne rosacea.
- Flagyl vaginal gel is used for treating bacterial vaginosis.
What Are Side Effects Associated With Using Metronidazole
Common Side effects of Metronidazole include:
- Appetite loss
Side effects of metronidazole from postmarketing reports include:
- Difficult or painful sexual intercourse
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Metronidazole
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction .
- new or worsening symptoms of infection
- painful or difficult urination
- a light-headed feeling
- vaginal itching or discharge or
- blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing.
Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have neurologic side effects :
- numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet
- vision problems, pain behind your eyes, seeing flashes of light
- muscle weakness, problems with speech or coordination
- trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you
- a seizure or
- fever, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to light.
Metronidazole can cause life-threatening liver problems in people with Cockayne syndrome. If you have this condition, stop taking metronidazole and contact your doctor if you have signs of liver failure–nausea, stomach pain , dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice .
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- depression, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable
- headache, dizziness, weakness
- vaginal itching or discharge, pain during sex
- mouth sores or
- swollen, red, or “hairy” tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How Do You Get Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection called chlamydia trachomatis, that is spread through unprotected sex or any contact with infected genital fluids such as, semen or vaginal fluid. You can get chlamydia by:
- Having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia even if they are asymptomatic.
- Sharing sex toys that have not been washed before use or covered with a clean condom each time they are used.
- Your genitals coming into contact with your sexual partners genitals who is already infected with chlamydia. Even if there is no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation you can still catch chlamydia.
- Infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eyes or other body part that is moistened with infected discharges.
- Pregnant women with chlamydia can pass on the infection to their unborn baby.
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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Metronidazole
Warnings
- Animal data have shown possible carcinogenic effect.
- This medication contains metronidazole. Do not take Flagyl, Flagyl ER, or Flagyl IV RTU if you are allergic to metronidazole or any ingredients contained in this drug.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy, 1st trimester
- Use of disulfiram within past 2 weeks use of alcohol during therapy or within 3 days of discontinuing therapy
Effects of Drug Abuse
Pregnancy and Lactation
Why Is It Important To Take Antibiotics Such As Amoxicillin For Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
Its important to treat any STDespecially chlamydia or gonorrheaas quickly as possible. If left untreated, both of these STDs can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Life-threatening pregnancy
- Vaginal, rectal, and/or oral infections
The only way to avoid these complications is to seek medical attention immediately after finding out you have tested positive.
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