Gonorrhoea: uncomplicated anogenital gonococcal infection
A large proportion of gonococcal isolates worldwide are now resistant to penicillins, tetracyclines, and other older antimicrobial agents, which can therefore no longer be recommended for the treatment of gonorrhoea. It is important to monitor local in vitro susceptibility, as well as the clinical efficacy of recommended regimens.
Recommended regimens
ciprofloxacin, 500 mg orally, as a single dose
OR
azithromycin, 2 g orally, as a single dose
OR
ceftriaxone, 125 mg by intramuscular injection, as a single dose
OR
cefixime, 400 mg orally, as a single dose
OR
spectinomycin, 2 g by intramuscular injection, as a single dose.
Note: Ciprofloxacin is contraindicated in pregnancy and is not recommended for use in children and adolescents. There is accumulating evidence that the cure rate of Azithromycin for gonococcal infections is best achieved by a 2-gram single dose regime. The 1-gram dose provides protracted sub-therapeutic levels which may precipitate the emergence of resistance. There are variations in the anti-gonococcal activity of individual quinolones, and it is important to use only the most active.
Alternative regimens which may be useful in some countries, depending on the prevalence of resistant gonococci
kanamycin, 2 g by intramuscular injection as a single dose
OR
trimethoprim (80 mg)/sulfamethoxazole (400 mg), 10 tablets orally, as a single dose daily for 3 days.
Note: Kanamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should only be used in areas where in vitro resistance rates are low and are monitored at regular intervals. In addition, second-line treatment with recommended drugs should be available.
Early syphilis: primary, secondary, or latent syphilis of not more than two years' duration
Recommended regimen
benzathine benzylpenicillin, 2.4 million IU, by intramuscular injection, at a single session. (Because of the volume involved, this dose is usually given as two injections at separate sites.)
Alternative regimen
procaine benzylpenicillin, 1.2 million IU daily, by intramuscular injection, for 10 consecutive days.
Alternative regimen for penicillin-allergic non-pregnant patients
doxycycline, 100 mg orally, twice daily for 15 days.
OR
tetracycline, 500 mg orally, 4 times daily for 15 days
Note: Benzathine benzylpenicillin is also called benzathine penicillin G, benzylpenicillin benzathine and benzathine penicillin. Procaine benzylpenicillin is also called procaine penicillin G.