Overview
Amoxicillin is a practical choice for chlamydia but is not considered the first line of treatment. The primary option is doxycycline for effective treatment of chlamydia and other STDs. First-line antibiotics are sometimes unsuitable due to resistance, allergies, or other contraindications observed in large populations like pregnant women. For this, the best alternative is preferred by a healthcare provider as per the cause of STDs. 500 mg orally three times a day for seven days is considered the standard dosage regimen for chlamydia treatment by amoxicillin. Amoxicillin begins working within an hour, with symptom improvement typically seen within 2-3 days.
Can amoxicillin treat chlamydia?
Yes. Amoxicillin treats chlamydia, but it’s not the first line of treatment preferred by healthcare providers or researchers. It’s the second line of treatment for all sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The very first line of treatment for all STIs, including chlamydia, is doxycycline, as it treats it effectively. In case of resistance development in an individual, alternatives are preferred, including azithromycin, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin.
How to Use Amoxicillin for Chlamydia?
Amoxicillin for chlamydia is used as per the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. The most recommended option for the dose and dosage regimen for amoxicillin, as per the CDC, is :
- Amoxicillin 500 mg orally three times a day for seven days
The dose and dosage regimen of all antibiotics are prescribed after careful diagnosis and other considerable factors, including the age and weight of an individual. Resistance development is also checked for antibiotics and the appropriate dosage regimen.
Who Can Use Amoxicillin for Chlamydia?
Amoxicillin is usually prescribed to pregnant women who can not take the first-line medications or have the probability of severe side effects, says Dr Ricahard Honekar.
Healthcare providers recommend amoxicillin for chlamydia in :
- Pregnant women, as other medications, have side effects along with the treatment quality. Amoxicillin is considered the safest option for pregnant women.
- It is also prescribed to people with allergies to tetracyclines.
- It is prescribed when other first-line antibiotics are contraindicated due to pre-existing health conditions.
- They are used if the patient has had adverse reactions to other commonly prescribed antibiotics for chlamydia.
How fast does 500mg amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin in any dose, including 500mg, will take a minimum of 1 hour to start working. All the antibiotics work well when frequent doses are taken in a day as per the prescription to maintain the peak levels of drugs in the body. Those peak levels will work on bacteria by killing or stopping the further growth of bacteria, which will eventually treat the disease. You will start seeing improvement in your symptoms within 2-3 days.
FAQs about amoxicillin for chlamydia
Yes. Taking any or all antibiotics will definitely affect your test results for STDs or any blood tests you perform. It’s good to talk to your healthcare provider in case before getting a particular test while on antibiotics.
It’s good to avoid alcohol, birth control pills, antacids, acid blockers, and high-sugar foods and drinks when on antibiotics. For birth control pills, consider talking to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any birth control.
Yes, it can. There are no specific guidelines for amoxicillin in males or females separately. It works the same way for both.
