Syphilis is caused by a bacteria and is considered a serious sexually transmitted disease as it mostly spreads through sexual contact. It may also get transmitted from a pregnant mother to the fetus or during birth. Diagnosis is done through blood tests, and dark field microscopy can also be used to detect it. Antibiotics are generally used for its successful treatment, and are used according to the stage at which the disease has reached in the patient.
If diagnosed in early stages, syphilis can easily be treated successfully. Penicillin is preferred by the doctors for treatment. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe another antibiotic for you. Pregnant women can be first desensitized and then given the penicillin injections, but the newborn would still require a treatment with antibiotics. Tertiary cases require more attention and intravenous penicillin may be given. Given here are some of the drugs and medications prescribed by doctors for the treatment of syphilis.
Drugs And Medications To Treat Syphilis
Ceftriaxone
This is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is generally used for the treatment of syphilis. It helps to kill the syphilis causing bacteria in the body. Discuss with your doctor if you have any medical conditions and then take this antibiotic as prescribed. Read the instructions on the label for the exact dosage.
Usually, this antibiotic is given as an injection and if you are taking it at home, you will be shown how to do it yourself. Consult your doctor if you get diarrhea with stomach cramps, or bloody stools. Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and slight pain are some of its general side effects.
Doxycycline
A tetracycline antibiotic, Doxycycline also helps fight syphilis causing bacteria in the body. Pregnant women should not use this drug. If you have any medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, asthma and allergies, discuss these with your doctor and then take this antibiotic as prescribed.
Have it with a glass of water and drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. Most brands of this medication can be taken with or without food. Check the instructions given on the label. If it causes diarhhea, this antibiotic should be taken along with food.
Azithromycin
Another popularly used antibiotic to fight the syphilis causing bacteria, Azithromycin is very useful in treating most of the sexually transmitted diseases. If you ever had liver problems or jaundice on taking this medication, it is best to avoid it. Discuss your medical conditions with your doctor and take this antibiotic as per the prescription.
The dosage and length of treatment will vary depending on the type of infection. Even if your symptoms improve, you must complete the whole course of this antibiotic. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid tanning beds and sunlight while you are on this medication.
Penicillin G
This is the first line of treatment for uncomplicated syphilis. It is administered intravenously or in muscles as it has poor oral absorption. A single injection of Penicillin G is given in such cases. Those affected by neurosyphilis may be given larger doses for about 10 days. For latent infections, larger doses at intervals of 1 week are given. These should be administered by a doctor after careful examination of the symptoms and medical history of the patient.
Erythromycin
This is an antibiotic medication that helps to treat bacterial infections, and is used in the treatment of syphilis detected at very early stages. It should not be taken along with terfenadine or astemizole, or by those with hypersensitivity.
Adults and children can both be treated using this medication. It has to be taken orally on an empty stomach as per the doctor’s prescription. Long term usage can cause secondary infections in the body. Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain may occur as side effects in some patients.
