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Prescription Medications

Antibiotics

Azithromycin (Zithromax) – This antibiotic is the drug of choice for chamydial infections since it is effective just with a single dose. It should not be taken if you have liver disease. Use with caution in the elderly, hostpitalized, or debilitated patients. Possible side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Itching

Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Erythromycin (generic)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin) – This antibiotic is usually given for seven days. It is just as effective as a single dose of azithromycin, but much cheaper. It should not be taken if you have liver disease. If used during tooth development, this antibiotic can cause permanent discoloration. Possible side effects include:
- Soreness in mouth
- Diarrhea
- Itching sensation in vagina or rectum
- Headache
- Rash

Ofloxacin (Floxin) – This antibiotic is an alternative drug for azithromycin or doxycycline. It is more expensive than the aforementioned drugs.It is not recommended in children, teenagers, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because of the potential of this drug to damage the joints. Possible side effects include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Rash
- Itch
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) – This drug should not be taken if you are on the following drugs: Cipro, Penetrex, Floxin, Noroxin, and Maxaquin. If you are a diabetic, you need to monitor your blood sugar more closely since this drug can make your blood sugar go up or go down. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight since this drug makes your skin more sensitive to UV light. Possible side effects include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache

References

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website. Available at: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/psittacosis.html . Accessed July 28, 2005.

Canadian Paediatric Society website. Available at: http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/ID/ID02-03.htm . Accessed July 28, 2005.

Chlamydia. The National Women's Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.4women.gov/faq/stdchlam.htm . Accessed July 28, 2005.

Chlamydia infections in women. Medline Plus. US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000660.htm . Accessed July 28, 2005.

International Trachoma Initiative website. Available at: http://www.trachoma.org/home.asp . Accessed July 28, 2005.

National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention. Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/psittacosis_t.htm . Accessed July 28, 2005.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdclam.htm . Accessed July 28, 2005.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guideline: 2006 UK national guideline for the management of genital tract infection with chlamydia trachomatis. London, England: British Assocaition for Sexual health and HIV(BASHH); 2006.

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

Last reviewed February 2007 by David Juan, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Medications for Chlamydia

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