Azithromycin for chlamydia guide
How to take single-dose azithromycin when your prescriber selects it for chlamydia, and how to prevent reinfection.
Azithromycin for chlamydia guide
How to take single-dose azithromycin when your prescriber selects it for chlamydia, and how to prevent reinfection.
- READ TIME
- 2 min read
- PATHWAY
- Azithromycin
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How to use
- Take the prescribed dose as directed
For the prescribed uncomplicated-chlamydia regimen, swallow both 500 mg tablets together with water as one 1 g dose.
- Check medicines and follow the food directions
The tablets can be taken with or without food. Tell the prescriber about heart-rhythm problems and all current medicines before taking the dose.
Medicines and interactions to review. Medicines that prolong QT, digoxin, anticoagulants, and significant liver disease need review
Treatment pathway
See the full decision pathway
Treatment and follow-up
Confirm uncomplicated chlamydia
Testing, infection site, symptoms, pregnancy, and possible coinfections determine whether this pathway is safe.
Use the selected regimen
Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days is first line. Azithromycin 1 g once is the clinician-selected alternative when doxycycline is unsuitable.
Prevent reinfection
Complete treatment, follow the no-sex interval, ensure partners are treated, and repeat testing at about 3 months.
Dose schedule
- One 1,000 mg oral dose
Take the full prescribed 1,000 mg dose at one time. Do not divide it across days unless a prescriber has issued a different prescription for another indication.
- Sexual abstinence
Avoid sexual contact for 7 days after the single dose. Partners need treatment too.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal effects
Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting can occur. Contact a clinician if these are severe or persistent.
Headache, dizziness, and skin reactions
Headache is common. Dizziness or drowsiness possible. Skin rashes can indicate an allergic reaction.
Do not use if
- You are allergic to azithromycin or another macrolide
- You have an unreviewed long-QT syndrome, serious rhythm disorder, or very low potassium or magnesium
- The diagnosis or infection site requires another treatment
If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.
When to contact your doctor
- Severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash
- Persistent severe diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Symptoms persist after completing the full course
Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
What to expect
For uncomplicated infection in a non-pregnant person, a routine test of cure is not advised unless adherence is uncertain, symptoms persist, or reinfection is suspected. Retesting at about 3 months is recommended.
Sources
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