En Español (Spanish Version)
by Polsdorfer R
Medications for Chlamydia
Prescription Medications
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.
First line antibiotics include:
- Amoxicillin
- Erythromycin
- Levofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
Azithromycin
This antibiotic is effective with a single dose. If you have liver disease, or kidney disease, this medicine should be use with caution.
Side effects may include:
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Doxycycline
This antibiotic is usually given for seven days. It is just as effective as a single dose of azithromycin. It should not be used in children less than 8 years old or in pregnancy.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to sunlight
-
Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
Other antibiotics
- Amoxicillin
- Erythromycin
- Levofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
These antibiotics are usually given for seven days. They are just as effective as a single dose of azithromycin.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Cramping, loss of appetite (Erythromycin)
- Headache, lightheadedness, insomnia (Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin)
References
Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm. Updated April 30, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.
Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 13, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.
Chlamydia fact sheet. US Department of Health and Human Services Women's Health website. Available at:
hhttp://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/chlamydia.cfm. Updated July 8, 2011. Accessed May 16, 2013.
Miller KE. Diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia trachomatis infection. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73:1411-1416.
Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010.
MMWR.
2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.