Overview
After going through some bad experiences with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, you might be wondering whether Doxycycline will work for you. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are prevalent sexually transmitted diseases contracted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Additionally, co-infection, having both infections at the same time, is possible as well. If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, Doxycycline and other medications are commonly prescribed to treat it. This article will answer most of your questions about Doxycycline, including, ‘Can Doxycycline cure gonorrhea and chlamydia?’
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can help treat various bacterial infections, including both gram-positive and gram-negative. It belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. When taken for bacterial infections, this drug stops the bacteria from multiplying and inhibiting them from creating proteins. Doxycycline is available in different formulations, including capsule, powder, or liquid.
Can Doxycycline Cure Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?
As per the research published, doxycycline 300-mg capsules were given to a total of 560 patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea who were treated by doxycycline. Of the 355 patients who returned for tests of cure within seven to ten days, all but seven (2%) responded favorably to the treatment for this regimen. The effectiveness of the regimen was similar to that of other accepted treatments.
If you’re wondering whether doxycycline can cure gonorrhea or treat it effectively on its own, it’s crucial to understand that some strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to antibiotics. In such cases, alternative antibiotics may be necessary for treatment. This is especially true for individuals whose symptoms persist despite taking doxycycline monohydrate for STD.
Apart from gonorrhea, doxycycline is also effective against chlamydia. However, if you’re thinking about a quick fix and wondering if a three-day course of doxycycline can cure chlamydia, it’s important to note that completing the full treatment and taking every prescribed pill on time is essential for a successful cure.
For chlamydia treatment, doxycycline needs to be taken twice a day for seven days. Alternatively, oral doxycycline pills are prescribed twice daily for 7 to 14 days, or a single dose of azithromycin may be given. Remember, following the doctor’s instructions diligently is vital to ensure effective treatment and recovery from chlamydia infection.
How Does Doxycycline Work?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It targets the bacterial ribosomes, preventing them from producing essential proteins necessary for bacterial survival and reproduction.
For gonorrhea, a single dose of 240 mg of doxycycline is generally effective. For chlamydia, the standard dosage is 100 mg, taken orally twice a day for seven to ten days.
Take the full prescribed dosage of doxycycline at once for gonorrhea treatment. For chlamydia, take one 100 mg doxycycline pill in the morning and another in the evening, with or without food. Complete the prescribed regimen of treatment even after feeling better.
What are the Other Conditions Doxycycline Can Treat?
Besides doxycycline std uses, the drug treats several infections, such as:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Besides gonorrhea treatment, doxycycline treats chlamydia syphilis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Eye infections: Doxycycline helps treat chlamydial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
- Gastroenteritis: Doxycycline effectively treats bacterial gastroenteritis or food poisoning from consuming contaminated food.
- Acne: Doxycycline coverage may be sufficient to prevent acne breakouts and clear the infection.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Doxycycline is an effective treatment and helps treat pneumonia caused by bacteria.
- Urinary tract infections: Regarding drug resistance, doxycycline helps treat UTIs. It is also used in cases where the person is allergic to the first-line treatment.
- Malaria: Doxycycline prophylaxis is given to those venturing into high-risk areas where malaria is prevalent. Additionally, to treat malaria, doxycycline and other drugs, including quinidine or quinine.
- Periodontitis is a gum disease that causes inflammation or infection of the gums. Doxycycline can help resolve or clear the infection.
How Long Does Doxycycline Take to Work for Gonorrhea?
Doxycycline hyclate 100mg starts working about 2 hours after consuming the pill. In addition, if you take doxycycline for gonorrhea, it can take up to 7 days for the medicine to clear the infection. Simultaneously, treating your partner to reduce re-infection chances is extremely important.
Can You Take Doxycycline to Prevent STDs?
Doxycycline is effective against several bacterial infections in your body. However, that does not mean you cannot get the infection again. Subsequently, to minimize your chances of re-transmission, you should avoid oral, vaginal, and anal sex during the treatment.
What is the Prescribed Doxycycline Dosage for Gonorrhea?
So, if you want to know, ‘Will five days of doxycycline cure gonorrhea?’ or doxycycline dosage for std, you must know CDC has recommended a single shot of 500mg of ceftriaxone intramuscularly along with oral Doxycycline 100mg twice daily for one week, especially in case of co-infection with chlamydia.
How Often Do I Take Doxycycline for Gonorrhea?
If you have contracted gonorrhea, you will receive a shot of ceftriaxone and a one-week dose of oral doxycycline. You must take one 100mg pill twice a day for seven days. The pill can be taken with or without food. Another alternate antibiotic commonly prescribed is azithromycin. Doxycycline alone is not sufficient to cure gonorrhea due to increasing drug resistance.
What are the Side Effects of Doxycycline?
Following is the list that mentions the common side effects of doxycycline:
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vaginal thrush
- headache
- sensitivity to light
Following is the list that covers the less common side effects:
- heartburn
- severe skin reactions
- severe headaches
- blurred vision or double vision
- low blood pressure
- fast heart rate
- severe watery or bloody diarrhea
- teeth discoloration
- detachment of the nail from its bed
- muscle and joint pain
- hepatitis
- liver failure
Can Doxycycline Alone Cure Gonorrhea?
Yes, it can. A doxycycline dose of 240 mg is generally prescribed for seven days for the complete treatment.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you have questions regarding doxycycline and its uses or side effects, discuss them with our doctor at Your Doctors Online. Moreover, for conditions like acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, you can get a prescription immediately.
FAQs About Doxycycline as Treatment for Gonorrhea Answered by Your Doctors Online Team
Doxycycline effectively cures chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
It can take up to 7 days for doxycycline to clear an STD. Moreover, doxycycline may not be sufficient as the sole treatment for some STDs, such as gonorrhea.
Mostly, gonorrhea is resistant to doxycycline, and the drug is insufficient to treat the infection. That is why a Ceftriaxone shot is effective.
The medication takes seven days to work properly. So, to ensure you get rid of the infection completely, you must take every pill as advised.
Even if you get tons of home remedies for treating gonorrhea, only antibiotics will be effective for complete cure and treatment. It’s better to seek immediate medical attention from your healthcare provider or pharmacist for the appropriate prescription and treatment regimen.
You will see an improvement in your symptoms for which you take doxycycline. If you are taking doxycycline for gonorrhea, you will feel less to no pain during urination, and if you are taking it for chlamydia, you will feel reduced genital discharge.
