Treatment algorithm

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer

ACUTE

confirmed or suspected

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antichlamydial antibiotics

Treatment is generally started after test results are known. However, if clinical suspicion is high, treatment should commence empirically before the test results are known.

Recommended first-line antibiotics provide an excellent cure rate.[39][40] Treatment benefits include a decrease in the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and reduction in the risk for infertility in women. There is a reduction in the incidence of epididymitis or prostatitis in men.

Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious, disabling, and potentially long-lasting or irreversible adverse events. This includes, but is not limited to, tendinopathy/tendon rupture; peripheral neuropathy; arthropathy/arthralgia; aortic aneurysm and dissection; heart valve regurgitation; dysglycemia; and central nervous system effects including seizures, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.[35]​ Prescribing restrictions apply to the use of fluoroquinolones, and these restrictions may vary between countries. In general, fluoroquinolones should be restricted for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections only. Some regulatory agencies may also recommend that they must only be used in situations where other antibiotics, that are commonly recommended for the infection, are inappropriate (e.g., resistance, contraindications, treatment failure, unavailability). Consult your local guidelines and drug formulary for more information on suitability, contraindications, and precautions.

All sexual contacts within the previous 60 days should be advised to seek investigation and treatment for chlamydia. [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] The management of the patient’s sex partners is an important consideration to prevent reinfection and further transmission.[37]

Primary options

doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days

Secondary options

azithromycin: 1 g orally as a single dose

OR

levofloxacin: 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days

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alternative antichlamydial antibiotics

Treatment is generally started after test results are known. However, if clinical suspicion is high, treatment should commence empirically before test results are known.

All sexual contacts within the previous 60 days, or the most recent sex partner if >60 days since last sexual contact, should be advised to seek investigation and treatment for chlamydia.[5] The management of the patient’s sex partners is an important consideration to prevent reinfection and further transmission.[37]

Primary options

azithromycin: 1 g orally as a single dose

Secondary options

amoxicillin: 500 mg orally three times daily for 7 days

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Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer

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