The STI (sexually transmitted infection) Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis, a common STI many people contract at some point. In most cases, it is treatable, and about 95% of cases enjoy a full recovery, but as some people do not display symptoms when they have it, they can go a long time before being diagnosed, making it harder to recover fully. As it is a bacterial infection, you can treat the condition with antibiotics, and there are various options your doctor can prescribe. Below are some medications you can take when you have Chlamydia that can cure the condition and some of the side effects that you can experience.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is the most common medication to be prescribed when someone has Chlamydia, and out of all the options, it is the most effective treatment. When you visit your doctor and test positive for Chlamydia, Doxycycline is the medication they will most likely prescribe to you. You will need to take one tablet twice a day for seven days, which should be enough to clear up the condition, but some people need to take it for 14 days. It can make you feel nauseous, cause diarrhoea, and cause an upset stomach.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is another medication your doctor may prescribe, but these Chlamydia tablets are not as effective as Doxycycline. When taking this treatment, you will take two 500mg tablets on the first day and one 500mg tablet daily over the next two days. You may need to repeat the course of treatment if it does not work, and it can make you feel sick, cause diarrhoea, and give you an upset stomach. However, there are other medications your doctor may prescribe if this does not clear up your Chlamydia.
Ofloxacin
Your doctor or the sexual health clinic may also prescribe Ofloxacin to you to treat your Chlamydia, which is another effective treatment for this condition. Your doctor can prescribe between 200-400mg tablets, which you need to take twice daily for seven days, which will hopefully kill the bacteria and get you back to normal again. Some of the side effects of this medication can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling Dizzy
- Couching
- Eye Irritation
- Itchiness
Erythromycin
Another antibiotic you may be prescribed to treat Chlamydia is Erythromycin, which is a good medication to use for those that are unable to take Doxycycline. You will need to take a 500mg tablet twice a day for seven days and ensure you complete the treatment, and in some cases, you may need to take it for 14 days. The medication does have side effects, including feeling bloated, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and a loss of appetite.
Whatever course of treatment your doctor prescribes you, you will need to ensure you complete it to cure the condition. You will also need to refrain from sexual activities for a couple of weeks after completing your medication, and you may still test positive for the STI for up to six weeks. Once the infection is clear, you will need more care when engaging in sex and ensure you are correctly protected. You can click here to learn more about Chlamydia, its transmission, and the long-term health risks.