• Homect_img
  • Health Information

Health Library

Back
Main Page Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Resource Guide

Prescription Medications

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.

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 disease, or kidney disease, this medicine should be use with caution.

Side effects may include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Rash
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Doxycycline

This antibiotic is usually given for seven 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 in pregnancy.

Side effects may include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite

Other antibiotics

  • Amoxicillin
  • Erythromycin
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin

These antibiotics are usually given for seven days. They are just as effective as a single dose of azithromycin.

Side effects may include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Rash
  • Cramping, loss of appetite (Erythromycin)
  • Headache, lightheadedness, insomnia (Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin)

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

References

  • Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm. Updated April 30, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 13, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • Chlamydia fact sheet. US Department of Health and Human Services Women's Health website. Available at: hhttp://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/chlamydia.cfm. Updated July 8, 2011. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • Miller KE. Diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia trachomatis infection. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73:1411-1416.

  • Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.