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Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is responsible for the infection. If left untreated the bacterial infection spreads to tissues of the pelvic region, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. The bacteria may even spread throughout the body, infecting the heart valves and joints.
Antibiotics are the only medications used for treating the infection. However, as some strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to certain antibiotics, doctors usually recommend gonorrhea culture to identify the bacterium strain and the antibiotic capable of killing it.
To cure the infection, the antibiotic drug should be taken appropriately according to the instruction of the physician. Recurrent infection can be avoided by finishing the full course of the antibiotic. While oral antibiotics are commonly used for treating gonorrhea, the drugs are administered intravenously to treat infection in men suffering from epididymitis and women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease.
Medications To Treat Gonorrhea
Ceftriaxone
Following reports of rising number of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea strains, currently the antibiotic drug ceftriaxone is considered the most effective medication for treating gonorrhea. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporin antibiotic. Ceftriaxone injection is usually administered intravenously and sometimes intramuscularly.
Depending upon the severity of the infection and the type of gonorrhea strain, one dose of ceftriaxone is injected once or twice daily for four days to two weeks. The injection should be administered at the same time each day. Common side effects of ceftriaxone injection include headache, dizziness, pain in the site of injection, flushing, excess sweating and diarrhea.
Penicillin
Penicillin was one of the popular antibiotics for gonorrhea treatment. However, with several gonorrhea strains developing resistance to penicillin, rarely this antibiotic is used now a days for treating gonorrhea.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is occasionally used for treating gonorrhea. The antibiotic, available in the form of capsule and liquid, is taken orally on empty stomach two to four times a day. To prevent recurrent gonorrhea breakouts, remember to complete the full course of the medication as recommended by your doctor.
Calcium rich foods tend to impair absorption of tetracycline. Tetracycline may interact with antacids, blood thinning drugs and birth control pills. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Diarrhea, stomach upset, sore mouth, change in skin color and sunburn are possible side effects of the drug.
Fluoroquinolones
Antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone family may be used for treating gonorrhea. However, some strains of gonorrhea have developed resistance to these antibiotics. They are usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. Calcium rich foods reduce absorption of these antibiotic drugs.
People on fluoroquinolones should limit intake of foods and beverages containing caffeine. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and headache are possible side effects of the drug.
Cefixime
Cefixime is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic frequently used for treating gonorrhea. It is available in the form of tablet and liquid. Usually a cefixime tablet is taken once or twice daily for about five to fourteen days. The exact dose of the drug and duration of treatment depends on the gonorrhea strain and the severity of the infection.
People with an active liver or kidney disease, stomach disorders or colitis should use this antibiotic drug with caution. Cefixime may interact with other antibiotic drugs and blood thinning medications. Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and mild skin rash are common side effects of this antibiotic medication. If you are susceptible to stomach problems following cefixime intake, take the medication with food or milk.
