Definition
It is defined chlamydiaun "bacterial infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted through any form of unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, oral, anal) or through the mother-fetus. Along with gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, chlamydia is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections.
Causes
As the name of the disease implies, chlamydia is caused by a gram negative microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis. Among the major risk factors are: frequent change of sexual partner, age between 16 and 24 years, unprotected sexual intercourse, exclusive use of oral contraceptives.
Symptoms
In 75% of women with chlamydia, the infection proceeds asymptomatically; in the other cases - and in both sexes - the disease involves pain during urination, pain during intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen and proctitis. in women, chlamydia can degenerate into abnormal, bloody vaginal discharge (outside the cycle) and cervicitis, while in men, the infection can also lead to testicular swelling, urethral discharge and urethral itching.
The information on Chlamydia - Chlamydia Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Chlamydia - Chlamydia Medicines.
Medicines
Although the Chlamydial infection is asymptomatic in most cases, it is still important to treat it promptly, in order to avoid the degeneration of the disease with consequent serious damage to the reproductive system (pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis, permanent sterility): in this regard , it is recommended to undergo control exams if you have unprotected sexual intercourse with subjects at risk.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in therapy against chlamydia, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
Macrolides
- Azithromycin (eg. Azithromycin, Zitrobiotic, Rezan, Azitrocin): the administration of this drug is certainly the most popular treatment against Chlamydial infections. Generally, only one dose of active (1 gram, tablet) is needed for the patient to heal.
- Erythromycin (eg. Erythrocin, Erythro L, Lauromycin): in the case of moderate to medium-sized infection, it is recommended to take 250-500 mg of active ingredient every 6 hours. For the treatment of severe chlamydial infection, it is recommended to administration of 1-4 g per day intravenously in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.
Penicillins
- Amoxicillin (eg. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox, Augmentin): it is recommended to administer 500 mg of the drug orally, 3 times a day for 7 consecutive days. It is possible to take the drug even during pregnancy, as an alternative to macrolides. Consult your doctor.
Tetracyclines
- Doxycycline (eg. Doxycicl, Periostat, Miraclin, Bassado): for Chlamydial urethral / endocervical or rectal infections, it is recommended to take 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days. compliance of the patient is questionable, azithromycin is preferred to doxycycline. Alternatively, take 200 mg of active daily for 15-21 days. During therapy it is not recommended to take dairy products, to avoid weakening the antibiotic.
- Tetracycline (eg. Tetrac C, Pensulvit, Ambramycin) it is recommended to take 500 mg orally 4 times a day in case of uncomplicated urethral chlamydia, for at least one week.
Quinolones
- Ofloxacin (eg Exocin, Oflocin): this drug, belonging to the class of second generation quinolones, is effective against Chlamydial infections when taken at a dosage of 300 mg orally per day for one week.
- Levofloxacin (eg. Levofloxacin, Tavanic, Aranda, Fovex): it is recommended to administer 500 mg of active orally once a day for at least seven days. However, azithromycin treatment is preferable.
Sulfonamides
- Sulfisoxazole: in case of infection infantile from Chlamydia, it is recommended to administer 100 mg / kg per day, to be taken orally in divided doses every 6 hours. Do not exceed 2 g per day. The dose is indicated for infants aged two months or more who contracted the infection from their mother during delivery.
N.B. in case of Chlamydial infection, the partner with whom you have had sexual contact must also undergo antibiotic treatment, in order to avoid relapses.
