Gonorrhoea treatment

Gonorrhoea Treatment

In cases where the first-line treatment for gonorrhoea cannot be given, two antibiotics are given to treat gonorrhoea: Suprax (cefixime) and Azithromycin.

Typically, a person infected with gonorrhoea would receive an injection and an antibiotic tablet given by a healthcare professional at a sexual health clinic or hospital.

In the event that this is not possible, such as if the patient refuses the injection or is allergic to any of the ingredients of this treatment, an alternative treatment can be prescribed in the form of two tablets: Suprax (cefixime) and Azithromycin.

Suprax (cefixime)

Cefixime, the active ingredient of Suprax, targets the cellular structure of the bacterial cells which cause gonorrhoea.

Cefixime prevents the bacteria from producing the chemical needed to maintain their structure, making the bacteria weak enough for the body’s immune system to destroy.

Azithromycin

Azithromycin works by inhibiting the production of a protein which the bacteria need to survive and multiply.

With their source of energy removed, the bacteria become weak enough to be overcome by the body’s natural defence mechanism.

Both Suprex and Azithromycin work together to treat the infection and help the body’s natural immune defences fight off the invasion.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be passed on through unprotected anal, oral and vaginal sex or sharing sex toys. Gonorrhoea can also be passed on from a mother to her child during pregnancy.

Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK, with over 44,000 diagnoses a year.

A person infected with gonorrhoea may not show any symptoms. However, symptoms may occur 2 weeks after becoming infected.

1 out of every 10 men infected and 1 in 2 women infected with gonorrhoea will not experience obvious symptoms. This makes it harder for people to suspect they have gonorrhoea and further delays treatment.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in women include:

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• Conjunctivitis
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain when urinating
• Rectal discharge
• Tenderness in the lower part of the stomach
• Vaginal discharge

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in men include:

• Conjunctivitis
• Inflammation of the foreskin
• Pain when urinating
• Penile discharge
• Rectal discharge
• Testicular pain

If gonorrhoea is left untreated, it can lead to infertility in both men and women. If you experience any symptoms of gonorrhoea or suspect you may have been exposed to the infection, it is essential to get tested. You can get tested for gonorrhoea at your local GP surgery or genitourinary (GUM) clinics. Antenatal clinics may also offer testing for gonorrhoea due to the risks associated with being infected with gonorrhoea while pregnant.

Alternatively, you can order a gonorrhoea testing kit online from Prescription Doctor. Simply provide a sample, post it to our partner laboratory using the included pre-paid envelope, and your results will be made available to you via your secure Prescription Doctor account.

How to take treatment

This treatment is taken as a single dose.

Take 2 tablets of Suprax ( 400mg) and 2 tablets of Azithromycin (1g) by mouth as a single dose. Repeat dose 6 – 12 hours after the initial dose.

It is important that you complete your course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can increase the risk of the infection returning or affect how your body responds to future antibiotic treatments.

Always follow your doctor’s advice.

Gonorrhoea treatment side effects and cautions

All medication carries the risk of side effects. It’s important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication before taking your medicines for gonorrhoea.

Side effects of Azithromycin include:

• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence
• Itching
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Tiredness
• Visual and hearing impairment
• Vomiting

Side effects of Suprax (cefixime) include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These are not exhaustive lists of side effects associated with azithromycin and cefixime. Further information regarding the safety of azithromycin and cefixime can be found within the respective leaflets enclosed with each medicine.

If you have any questions about the details in the patient information leaflet for either azithromycin or cefixime, please speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

How should I report my side effects to gonorrhoea treatment?

If you are worried about any of the above side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to gonorrhoea treatment regimen?

If you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction to either azithromycin or cefixime, seek immediate medical attention.

You may need to visit your hospital’s accident and emergency department.

If this occurs, ensure that you take the packaging of the medication with you so that the doctors treating you are aware of what you have taken.

Can I drink alcohol while taking gonorrhoea treatment?

Do not drink alcohol while taking these medicines, as it can reduce their effectiveness.

Is gonorrhoea treatment suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

This treatment may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to speak to your doctor about appropriate gonorrhoea treatment for you.