What are the antibiotics for Gonorrhea (GC) sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

From the Guidelines

The recommended antibiotic treatment for gonorrhea (GC) is a single 250mg intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, in combination with either azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose or doxycycline 100mg orally twice daily for 7 days. This recommendation is based on the most recent evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [ 1 ], which highlights the importance of combination therapy to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. The use of ceftriaxone in combination with azithromycin or doxycycline is supported by the CDC's Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP), which has monitored Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibilities since 1986 [ 1 ].

Key points to consider when treating gonorrhea include:

• The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing treatment
• The need to test and treat sexual partners from the past 60 days to prevent reinfection
• The recommendation for follow-up testing 7-14 days after treatment completion to ensure the infection has cleared
• The use of alternative regimens, such as gentamicin 240mg intramuscular injection plus azithromycin 2g orally in a single dose, for patients with severe penicillin allergy

It's essential to note that gonorrhea has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics over time, which is why current recommendations use higher doses of ceftriaxone and combination therapy to ensure effective treatment [ 1 ]. The CDC's guidelines for the treatment of gonorrhea are based on the latest available evidence and are intended to provide healthcare providers with the most effective and safe treatment options for their patients [ 1 ].

In terms of specific treatment options, the following are recommended:

• Ceftriaxone 250mg intramuscularly, in combination with either azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose or doxycycline 100mg orally twice daily for 7 days
• Alternative regimens, such as gentamicin 240mg intramuscular injection plus azithromycin 2g orally in a single dose, for patients with severe penicillin allergy
• Follow-up testing 7-14 days after treatment completion to ensure the infection has cleared [ 1 ].

Overall, the treatment of gonorrhea requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the latest available evidence and the individual needs of each patient [ 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). Azithromycin, at the recommended dose, should not be relied upon to treat syphilis. All patients with sexually-transmitted urethritis or cervicitis should have a serologic test for syphilis and appropriate cultures for gonorrhea performed at the time of diagnosis.

The antibiotic for Gonorrhea (GC) sexually transmitted disease (STD) is Azithromycin.

• The recommended dose for Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis is One single 2 gram dose 2.
• Azithromycin is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.

From the Research

Antibiotics for Gonorrhea

The following antibiotics are recommended for the treatment of Gonorrhea:

• Ceftriaxone, administered intramuscularly, is a first-line treatment for gonorrhea 3, 4, 5
• Azithromycin, administered orally, is often used in combination with ceftriaxone as a dual therapy for gonorrhea 3, 5, 6
• Cefixime, administered orally, is an alternative treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea 4, 7
• Doxycycline, administered orally, may be used as an additional treatment for coinfection with chlamydia 5

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosages and administration methods for these antibiotics are:

• Ceftriaxone: 250-500mg intramuscularly once 3, 5
• Azithromycin: 1-2g orally once 3, 5, 6
• Cefixime: 400-800mg orally once 4, 7
• Doxycycline: 100mg orally twice daily for 7 days 5

Resistance and Treatment Failures

There is a growing concern about antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with reports of treatment failures and resistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin 5, 6

• Ceftriaxone-resistant strains are spreading internationally, primarily associated with travel to Asia 6
• The first global treatment failure with recommended dual therapy was reported in 2016, and the first isolates with combined ceftriaxone resistance and high-level azithromycin resistance were reported in 2018 in the UK and Australia 6