Medications for Chlamydia

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

En Español (Spanish Version)

Prescription Medications

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish all antibiotics as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. Not doing so risks reinfection.

First-line antibiotics include:

Azithromycin
Doxycycline

Other antibiotics include:

Amoxicillin
Erythromycin
Levofloxacin
Ofloxacin

Azithromycin

This antibiotic is effective with a single dose. If you have liver or kidney disease, this medication should be use with caution. This antibiotic is the preferred medication for use in pregnant women.

Side effects may include:

Abdominal pain
Rash
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Heart arrhythmias

Doxycycline

This antibiotic is usually given for 7 days. It is just as effective as a single dose of azithromycin. It should not be used in children less than 8 years old or during pregnancy.

Side effects may include:

Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to sunlight
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite

Other antibiotics

Amoxicillin—alternative therapy used in pregnancy
Erythromycin
Levofloxacin
Ofloxacin

These antibiotics are usually given for 7 days.

Side effects may include:

Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Rash
Cramping, loss of appetite (erythromycin)
Headache, lightheadedness, insomnia (levofloxacin, ofloxacin)

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take the medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medication.
Do not share your prescription medication.
Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
Plan ahead for refills as needed.

REFERENCES:

Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Chlamydia—CDC fact sheet (detailed). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-chlamydia-detailed.htm. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114223/Chlamydia-genital-infection . Accessed January 29, 2021.

Mishori R, McClaskey EL, WinklerPrins VJ. Chlamydia trachomatis infections: Screening, diagnosis, and management. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(12):1127-1132.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 1/29/2021

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