Will I Need To Go Back To The Clinic
If you take your antibiotics correctly, you may not need to return to the clinic.
However, you will be advised to go back for another chlamydia test if:
- you had sex before you and your partner finished treatment
- you forgot to take your medication or didn’t take it properly
- your symptoms don’t go away
- you’re pregnant
If you’re under 25 years of age, you should be offered a repeat test for chlamydia 3 to 6 months after finishing your treatment because you’re at a higher risk of catching it again.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caused By C Trachomatis
A chlamydial etiology should be considered for all infants aged 30 days who experience conjunctivitis, especially if the mother has a history of chlamydial infection. These infants should receive evaluation and age-appropriate care and treatment.
Preventing Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caused by C. trachomatis
Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with erythromycin, the only agent available in the United States for this purpose, is ineffective against chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum . As an alternative, prevention efforts should focus on prenatal screening for C. trachomatis, including
Neonates born to mothers for whom prenatal chlamydia screening has been confirmed and the results are negative are not at high risk for infection.
Diagnostic Considerations
Treatment
Erythromycin base or ethylsuccinate 50 mg/kg body weight/day orally, divided into 4 doses daily for 14 days*
* An association between oral erythromycin and azithromycin and infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has been reported among infants aged < 6 weeks. Infants treated with either of these antimicrobials should be followed for IHPS signs and symptoms.
Although data regarding use of azithromycin for treating neonatal chlamydial infection are limited, available data demonstrate that a short therapy course might be effective . Topical antibiotic therapy alone is inadequate for treating ophthalmia neonatorum caused by chlamydia and is unnecessary when systemic treatment is administered.
Follow-Up
What Are Side Effects Associated With Using Azithromycin
Side effects of azithromycin include:
- Diarrhea
- Low white blood cell count
- Black, tarry stool
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.
Recommended Reading: Can Chlamydia Cause Infertility In Males
Is Azithromycin Better Than Doxycycline At Curing Chlamydia
STD guidelines still favor azithromycin over doxycycline for the treatment of chlamydia. This is because of the following reasons:
- Cure rates of azithromycin and doxycycline are similar, 97% and 98-100% respectively, according to a meta-analysis of 12 trials.
- Azithromycin is given as a single dose, doxycycline needs to be given for seven days, either as a once-daily or twice-daily dose.
- The dose of azithromycin can be easily supervised if need be it is much harder to supervise seven days of once daily or twice daily doxycycline treatment
- People are more likely to take a single dose of azithromycin than finish a seven-day course of doxycycline.
Recently, some reports have suggested that doxycycline may be more effective than azithromycin, particularly when medication adherence can be assured. There is also some concern that azithromycin may not be as effective for anogenital chlamydial infections.
Chlamydial Infection Among Neonates
Prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women is the best method for preventing chlamydial infection among neonates. C. trachomatis infection of neonates results from perinatal exposure to the mothers infected cervix. Initial C. trachomatis neonatal infection involves the mucous membranes of the eye, oropharynx, urogenital tract, and rectum, although infection might be asymptomatic in these locations. Instead, C. trachomatis infection among neonates is most frequently recognized by conjunctivitis that develops 512 days after birth. C. trachomatis also can cause a subacute, afebrile pneumonia with onset at ages 13 months. Although C. trachomatis has been the most frequent identifiable infectious cause of ophthalmia neonatorum, neonatal chlamydial infections, including ophthalmia and pneumonia, have occurred less frequently since institution of widespread prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women. Neonates born to mothers at high risk for chlamydial infection, with untreated chlamydia, or with no or unconfirmed prenatal care, are at high risk for infection. However, presumptive treatment of the neonate is not indicated because the efficacy of such treatment is unknown. Infants should be monitored to ensure prompt and age-appropriate treatment if symptoms develop. Processes should be in place to ensure communication between physicians and others caring for the mother and the newborn to ensure thorough monitoring of the newborn after birth.
Don’t Miss: How Do They Test Men For Chlamydia
Azithromycin And Alcohol Consumption
Yes, you can drink small amounts of alcohol while on Azithromycin. But due to high alcohol consumption, the gastrointestinal side effects of azithromycin can be enhanced. The side effects may include vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, or gas. In case you consume Azithromycin will high alcohol then it can also cause headaches.
Since Azithromycin is usually taken once, drinking alcohol is unlikely to prevent azithromycin treatment for chlamydia.
Azithromycin Single Dose For Chlamydia
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Read Also: Having Chlamydia For A Long Time
How Is Chlamydia Treated
The following are the recommended treatment regimens for chlamydia according to the Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, released in 2015, but still considered current. Only one regimen should be chosen.
- Azithromycin 1 gram orally as a single dose
- OR
- Ofloxacin 300 mg orally twice a day for 7 days.
Usual Adult Dose For Gonococcal Infection
Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis:Immediate-release: 2 g orally onceUse: Treatment of mild to moderate urethritis and cervicitis due to Neisseria gonorrhoeaeUS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations:Immediate-release:-Recommended regimen: 1 g orally once as a single dose plus ceftriaxone-Alternative regimen: 1 g orally once as a single dose plus cefixime
Read Also: How Do Men Test For Chlamydia
Concerned You May Have Chlamydia Check Your Symptoms For Free And Chat With A Doctor For Just $23
Always follow the directions from your doctor or pharmacist for taking azithromycin.
Azithromycin is taken as a single dose, one time.
It should be taken as soon as you receive the prescription. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food, however, the extended-release form is typically taken on an empty stomach.
If you take the liquid form, shake it well before using and use a dosing spoon to measure an accurate dose. If you are prescribed the powder, mix it with water according to directions.
Zithromax Is An Effective Cure For Bacterial Infections Such As Chlamydia
Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat inflammatory infections such as chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the UK, which is particularly common in young, sexually active people. Chlamydia is often symptom-free and its identification can be challenging. When symptoms occur about 1 to 3 weeks after infection, they appear especially as itching and tingling when urinating. In others, it can be almost unbearable. Clear discharge can drain from the urethra, and the amount of discharge can increase in women.
Also Check: Does Walgreens Sell Antibiotics For Chlamydia
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 To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine.
- diarrhoea or being sick – drink lots of fluids such as water or squash to avoid dehydration. Take small, frquent sips if you’re being sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea or vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- losing your appetite – eat when you would usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when you’re hungry. Have nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
- headaches – rest and drink plenty of water. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
- feeling dizzy or tired – if you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you don’t faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive or use tools or machines if you feel dizzy or tired. Do not drink alcohol as it may make you feel worse.
- changes to your sense of taste – talk with your doctor if this is bothering you.
Don’t Miss: Azithromycin 250 Mg Tablet For Chlamydia
How Long Does Azithromycin Take To Cure Chlamydia
It usually takes approximately 7 days for azithromycin to cure chlamydia. However, it can take up to 2 weeks for the infection to go away completely.
Avoid having sex during treatment or until the infection has cleared. Youll want to make sure its completely cured, or else youll risk passing it to someone else.
Duration Of Azithromycin In Your Body To Stay:
As per the studied done, Azithromycin medicine usually stays around 15 to 16 days in your days after the consumption of last dose.
There is a 68 hour elimination half-life of this tablet. The prolonged terminal elimination half-life is associated with high drug uptake and subsequent elimination from the tissue.
Approximately 5.5 times the elimination half-life is required to remove the drug from the system. Therefore, it will take about 15.5 days for 374 hours to be removed from the system.
Read Also: Can Guys Get Rid Of Chlamydia
What Pills Can Get Rid Of Chlamydia
The medicine azithromycin is an effective way to treat Chlamydia infection. The absence of signs or symptoms may make it difficult for people with Chlamydia infection to recognize their condition. It is your sex partner who has given you azithromycin pills or a prescription for it.
What Happens If Chlamydia Is Left Untreated
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious health problems.
In people assigned female at birth, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , a condition which can scar the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility.
Chlamydia can also be passed on to babies during birth if the parent has the infection while pregnant.
In people assigned male at birth, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis, an infection in the prostate gland, and male chlamydial urethritis.
Also Check: How Long Does Chlamydia Last
Azithromycin For Sinus Infection
People who are suffered from sinus most probably ask the doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. Acute sinus infections mostly last for about three-four weeks. Azithromycin is the most common antibiotic prescribed to treat sinus infections. There is evidence that Azithromycin works at its best level and quickly cure sinus infections. But it is not necessary that antibiotics can help sinus patients every time. Judicious usage of antibiotics is essential to cure sinus infections.
Usual Adult Dose For Skin And Structure Infection
Immediate-release: 500 mg orally as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250 mg orally once a day on days 2 to 5Use: Treatment of mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiaeIDSA and NIH Recommendations:Immediate-release:Patients greater than 45 kg: 500 mg orally on day 1, then 250 mg orally once a day on days 2 through 5Patients less than 45 kg: 10 mg/kg orally on day 1, then 5 mg/kg orally once a day for 4 additional daysAlternative therapy for Bartonella infections : 500 mg orally once a day for at least 3 monthsUses:-Treatment of bacillary angiomatosis and cat scratch disease-Alternative therapy for Bartonella infections
Don’t Miss: How To Cure Chlamydia Fast
Who Can And Cannot Take Azithromycin
Azithromycin can be taken by adults and children.
It isn’t suitable for some people. To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicines in the past
- liver or kidney problems
- heart problems, including irregular heartbeats
- had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before
- myasthenia gravis – azithromycin can worsen the symptoms of this muscle-weakening illness
- diabetes – azithromycin liquid contains sugar
What Is The Dosage Of Azithromycin For Chlamydia
The recommended dosage of azithromycin for chlamydia is 1 gram as a single dose. This dose may be taken morning or night and can be taken with or without food. Another name for azithromycin is Zithromax.
If you have taken your dose of azithromycin on an empty stomach and your stomach has become a bit upset or you feel sick, it is Ok to eat some food, which may help to settle it.
A 500mg dose of azithromycin is not recommended by guidelines to cure chlamydia. There is also a chance it may increase the risk of C. trachomatis bacteria becoming resistant to it. If you have only taken or only been prescribed a 500mg dose of azithromycin, you need to return to your doctor to get a 1 gram dose prescribed. You should never share your dose of azithromycin with another person.
Also Check: How Fast Can Chlamydia Be Treated
Chlamydia Treatment With Azithromycin
The active ingredient in Zithromax is azithromycin. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium that multiplies and grows in the human body by producing protein. Azithromycin prevents bacteria from producing protein by attacking their cells in the nucleus. Thus, the bacteria is overcome and the bodys immune system is able to overcome the inflammation. Azithromycin is also based on azithromycin.
Once the pills have been taken, it is recommended that you do not have sex for ten days, because during this time bacteria may still be present in the body, even if there are no symptoms.
When Can I Have Sex Again
If you had doxycycline, you shouldn’t have sex including vaginal, oral or anal sex, even with a condom until both you and your partner have completed treatment.
If you had azithromycin, you should wait 7 days after treatment before having sex .
This will help ensure you don’t pass on the infection or catch it again straight away.
Also Check: How To Test For Oral Chlamydia
Does Azithromycin Work For Chlamydia
Azithromycin works to treat genital chlamydia in both men and women by stopping the bacteria from multiplying.
Studiessuggest that a one-gram dosage has 97% efficacy.
That means that for every 100 people who take azithromycin to treat chlamydia, 97 will be cured and three will not be cured.
In order to effectively treat chlamydial infections, azithromycin should be taken as prescribed and until the dosage is completed.
Ending the medication early increases the chance that the bacteria will not be completely killed off.
Other Factors To Consider :
- What should be the gap between two doses?
- How much dose you should take?
- Your metabolic rate If your metabolism is slow than it will increase the duration of medicine in your system.
- Your age and health In general, older age and poor health increase the amount of time the medication stays in your system.
- Bodyweight the higher the medicine, the longer the medicine stays in your system.
Recommended Reading: Chlamydia Make You Pee A Lot
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.