Antibiotics for Gonorrhea
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| cefixime | Suprax |
| ceftriaxone | Rocephin |
| azithromycin | Zithromax |
| doxycycline | Doryx |
How It Works
Antibiotics kill the
gonorrhea bacteria.
Why It Is Used
These antibiotics are used to treat:
- A person who has a positive gonorrhea test.
- Sex partners within the past 60 days of a person diagnosed with gonorrhea, whether or not they have symptoms or used condoms.
- A newborn whose mother has gonorrhea at the time of delivery.
How Well It Works
Antibiotic treatment, when taken exactly as directed, normally
cures gonorrhea infections. If antibiotics are not taken properly, the
infection will not be cured.
Certain strains of the gonorrhea bacteria have become
resistant to some antibiotics, including quinolones,
penicillin, tetracycline, and sulfa drugs. When bacteria become resistant to an
antibiotic, they no longer can be killed by that medicine.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people
don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask
your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side
effects are also listed in the information that comes with your
medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Black or bloody stools.
- Chest pain.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Fever and chills.
Common side effects of these medicines include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain or cramps.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has
to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will
improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take
your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps
your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble
taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do.
For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant,
breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines
unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This
includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs,
and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
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