Gonorrhoea Antibiotics

Cefixime:

The main antibiotic that you will be given is called Cefixime (Suprax) as it is the number one drug of choice due to its efficiency and price, as it only requires a single dose that is administered orally. It manages to kill the bacteria causing the infection by inhibiting their cell wall synthesis.

Ceftriaxone:

This is the second drug of choice for treating gonorrhoea and it kills the cells in the same way that Cefixime does- by inhibiting the production of the bacteria’s cell wall. The reason why this drug is not a doctor’s first choice is that it is more expensive as it has to be injected therefore there is some discomfort upon administration.


Azithromycin:

This antibiotic works by inhibiting bacterial growth by stopping the activity of essential proteins that the microorganism can’t function without. It is administered orally and the most effective antibiotic against uncomplicated gonorrhoea.  It can also kill non- gonococcal infections, which makes it an extremely useful antibiotic. However, there is a side effect of gastrointestinal tract irritation so a doctor will not always recommend it. It is also expensive.

Spectinomycin:

This antibiotic is not often administered but is prescribed if you are allergic to the group of antibiotics that are usually used- the cephalosporins. This antibiotic inhibits protein synthesis of the bacteria causing them to die. However although largely effective, it is not very effective against infections that are based in the throat.

What are the side effects of the antibiotics?

As with any drug you take, there is always a risk of side effects. In the case of antibiotics that treat gonorrhoea, side effects are rare and if any occur they are usually mild. You may experience nausea and vomiting, headaches, fatigue and dizziness, diarrhoea or abdominal pain. If any of these side effects persist then you must return to the doctor and explain your symptoms.

Is any further treatment needed?

You must go back for an additional check-up to ensure that the infection has been taken care of approximately 7 days later. It is also recommended that you get retested 3 months later to be on the safe side. If the symptoms persist then you will need to return to the doctors for you may have a strain of the bacteria that are antibiotic resistant to the drug you were prescribed and you will need to take another course of a different antibiotics to cure the infection. Also, you will need to return to the doctor if you have any serious side effects from the antibiotics or believe you may have been re-infected with gonorrhoea after your treatment.


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