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Chlamydia infection is a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by the Chlamydia bacteria. The bacterial infection can be healed with antibiotics. The duration of the treatment depends upon the severity of the infection and the type of antibiotic used for the treatment.
To prevent recurrent Chlamydia infections, remember to complete the full course of the antibiotic medication as directed by your doctor. Mild to moderate cases of Chlamydia infection is usually treated with oral antibiotics. Intravenous antibiotics are needed for treating Chlamydia infection in women with pelvic inflammatory disease and men diagnosed with
Medications to Treat Chlamydia Infection
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is classified as a penicillin-like antibiotic. It is available in the form of capsule, tablet and liquid. Depending upon the severity of the Chlamydia infection, your doctor may ask you to take two to three amoxicillin tablets each day. Amoxicillin can be taken by pregnant women suffering from Chlamydia infection.
To prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug, complete the full course of the drug. Side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting may occur following amoxicillin intake. This antibiotic is not recommended for people allergic to penicillin and penicillin-like antibiotics. Amoxicillin might suppress the activities of oral contraceptives.
Azithromycin
Most cases of Chlamydia infections respond to azithromycin. Even pregnant women tested positive for Chlamydia infection can take this antibiotic. Azithromycin is usually taken once a day for up to five days or as directed by the physician. This drug is also effective in preventing Chlamydia infection in people who have been exposed to the Chlamydia bacteria during sex with an infected person. Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and stomach pain are common side effects of the drug.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is one of the most effective antibiotics for healing Chlamydia infection. Pregnant women should avoid this drug. Taking doxycycline during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects in babies. Doxycycline obstructs the contraceptive effect of birth control pills.
This antibiotic is usually taken once or twice daily with food or milk. Diarrhea, sore mouth and vaginal or rectal itching are some of the common side effects of the drug. Doxycycline can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used for treating Chlamydia infections. It is commonly used for treating bacterial infection in people allergic to penicillin and penicillin-like antibiotics. It is the only antibiotic that is given to infants born to women suffering from Chlamydia infection at the time of delivery. Even pregnant women diagnosed with active Chlamydia infection can take erythromycin for healing the infection. Erythromycin is usually taken three to four times a day for 7 to 21 days or as directed by the physician. This antibiotic should be taken on empty stomach, preferably two hours after or one hour before a meal. Stomach upset, stomach pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and mild skin rash are common side effects of the drug.
Levoflaxacin
Levoflaxacin is used for treating severe Chlamydia infection. It is usually taken once a day. People on levoflaxacin should drink plenty of water. This antibiotic is not recommended for pregnant women. It may increase sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, heartburn and vaginal itching are some of the common side effects of the drug.
Ofloxacin
The antibiotic ofloxacin can kill the Chlamydia bacteria Pregnant women should avoid this drug. Stomach pain, stomach cramp, nausea and vaginal itching or abnormal vaginal discharge are common side effects of ofloxacin.
