From the Guidelines
The most common STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
Treatments for Common STIs
- For Chlamydia, the recommended treatment is Azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose, or Doxycycline 100mg orally twice a day for 7 days 1.
- For Gonorrhea, the recommended treatment is Ceftriaxone 500mg intramuscularly as a single dose, plus Azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose 1.
- For Syphilis, the recommended treatment is Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units intramuscularly as a single dose 1.
- For Herpes, the recommended treatment is Acyclovir 400mg orally three times a day for 7-10 days, or Valacyclovir 1g orally twice a day for 7-10 days 1.
- For HPV, there is no specific treatment, but the symptoms can be managed, and the infection can be prevented with vaccination 1.
It's essential to note that these treatments should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional, and the patient should be tested for other STIs and complete the full treatment course as directed 1. Additionally, all sexual partners should be notified and treated if necessary 1.
Key Considerations
- Testing and Treatment: Patients should be tested for other STIs and complete the full treatment course as directed 1.
- Partner Notification: All sexual partners should be notified and treated if necessary 1.
- Prevention: Vaccination can prevent HPV infection, and safe sex practices can reduce the risk of transmission of other STIs 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Genital ulcer disease in men due to Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
The most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) mentioned in the drug label are:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid) Their treatments are:
- Azithromycin for Chlamydia trachomatis and Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
- Azithromycin may be used for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but the label does not provide explicit treatment information for this infection 2
From the Research
Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Chlamydia: caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, with doxycycline as the preferred treatment 3
- Gonorrhea: caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with ceftriaxone monotherapy as the recommended treatment 3
- Syphilis: caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, with penicillin G benzathine as the treatment for syphilis of less than one year's duration, and three consecutive weekly doses for syphilis of more than one year's or unknown duration 3
- Trichomoniasis: caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, with metronidazole as the treatment 3, 4
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): a viral infection, with no cure available but preventive vaccinations are available 5, 6
- Herpes genitalis (herpes simplex virus 1 and 2): a viral infection, with no cure available 5, 4
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a viral infection, with no cure available but effective treatments are available 5, 4
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Nucleic acid amplification tests are used for the diagnosis of gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis, and symptomatic HSV-1 and HSV-2 4
- Serology is used for the diagnosis of syphilis, typically using sequential testing to detect treponemal and nontreponemal (antiphospholipid) antibodies 4
- Effective treatments include ceftriaxone, doxycycline, penicillin, moxifloxacin, and the nitroimidazoles, such as metronidazole, but antimicrobial resistance limits oral treatment options for gonorrhea and Mycoplasma genitalium 4
Prevention and Control
- Primary prevention counseling with early diagnosis and treatment remain the best methods to decrease the incidence of STIs 6
- Comprehensive sex education programs in schools can increase STI knowledge and prevent risky sexual behaviors 7
- Health care providers can promote STI prevention methods, including counseling about safe sex 7
- Screening, contact tracing of sexual partners, and promoting effective barrier contraception are effective STI prevention interventions 4