Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This infection can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and it is especially prevalent among individuals aged 15-24. Gonorrhea is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected partner. Infected pregnant individuals can also transmit the bacteria to their newborn during childbirth, which may lead to health complications for the baby. Gonorrhea can manifest as an uncomplicated or complicated infection; uncomplicated gonorrhea refers to cases without serious complications or spread to other areas.

The treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea generally involves antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications. The medications frequently used to treat gonorrhea include:

• Doxycycline (Acticlate, Doxy-100): Commonly used for patients who may have other concurrent STIs, doxycycline is generally taken as a short course of oral tablets.
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Proquin XR): Though effective, ciprofloxacin is used less frequently due to emerging antibiotic resistance. However, it may still be prescribed in specific cases.

The choice of treatment may depend on individual factors, including allergy considerations, potential interactions with other medications, and patient-specific circumstances. A healthcare provider may recommend a different combination of antibiotics if there are indications of drug resistance or complications in a particular case.

Due to rising antibiotic resistance, healthcare providers may perform susceptibility testing to identify the most effective antibiotic regimen. Patients should follow their prescribed treatment course and avoid sexual activity during treatment to prevent transmission. Additionally, follow-up tests are often advised to confirm the infection has been resolved.

Dosage for Gonorrhea Treatment

Standard Dosage for Adults with Uncomplicated Gonorrhea:

• Doxycycline: 100 mg taken orally twice daily for seven days. This may be prescribed alongside ceftriaxone or another antibiotic if a co-infection (like chlamydia) is suspected.

Alternative Dosages:

In cases where ceftriaxone is not suitable due to allergies or other factors, alternative medications like ciprofloxacin (500 mg orally as a single dose) may be considered, though it's less preferred due to resistance concerns.