Azithromycin or Doxycycline tablets | e-surgery

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems. There are two common antibiotic treatments for chlamydia: Azithromycin or Doxycycline. So, which is better? In this blog post, we will compare the two antibiotics and help you decide which is best for you. If you do receive a positive chlamydia test, you should always inform your sexual partner/s.

Chlamydia Overview

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, with about 6,000 cases reported for those above 45 years [1]. The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis infects epithelial cells of the urogenital tract by entering through microscopic membrane openings when they are exposed during intercourse or other forms of sexual activity. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women, and reactive arthritis in both men and women [2].

woman feeling uncomfortable due to her needing azithromycin or doxycycline | e-surgery

Symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, which is why it’s considered a “silent” infection. If you think you may have chlamydia or are experiencing symptoms including burning during urination, abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, painful when having sex or a  fever, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

The medical issue can be detected with a urine test, vaginal swab, or genital swab. Chlamydia treatment consists of antibiotics that effectively target the bacteria causing the infection. If you’re worried about getting tested, we have put together a beginner’s guide to getting an STI test.

Sexually active individuals should regularly get tested to avoid complications and spread the disease (to others). It is important to practice safe sex by using condoms during intercourse because chlamydia often infects both partners if one has it.

How Does Azithromycin Work?

Azithromycin tablets for chlamydia are part of a class of antibiotics known as macrolide. They work by stopping the bacteria’s ability to create protein needed for growth, which causes the bacteria to die (3).

Dosage: Azithromycin comes in tablet form and is usually taken for 3 days, consisting of 1000mg on the first day, followed by 500mg on the next 2 days.

Side Effects: Azithromycin is safe for most people, with some side effects being mild gastrointestinal upset, headache, and changes in taste. It can also cause more concerning side effects in some people, such as thrush. If you have liver disease or are taking certain medications, it may not be safe for you to take Azithromycin, so always speak with your doctor first to avoid cross-medications.

How Does Doxycycline Work?

Doxycycline tablets for chlamydia are antibiotics from the tetracycline family. It can treat bacterial infections, acne, malaria and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Doxycycline is a common first choice for treating chlamydia because it has a broader antimicrobial activity spectrum than Azithromycin [4]

young man inspecting his Azithromycin or Doxycycline antibitotics | e-surgery

Dosage: Doxycycline comes in pill form and can be taken either 100mg or 200mg once or twice daily for one week, as advised by your doctor [5].

Side Effects: Side effects are similar to Azithromycin, with every 1 in 10 people experiencing them. They include gastrointestinal upset (nausea and vomiting), headache, and sensitivity to light. Most people tolerate it well, though with mild side effects that usually don’t last more than a few days. If you are taking other medications, talk with your doctor to see if Doxycycline is right for you and avoid any cross-medications consequences.

Why Should I Finish The Entire Antibiotic Course?

Whether it’s Azithromycin or Doxycycline they both have very high rates of effectiveness when taken as prescribed. However, antibiotic resistance can develop if the medication isn’t taken as directed or if you stop taking it too early. This is why it’s so important to always finish a full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before the medication has run out.

If, for some reason, your doctor does not think one of these two medications is right for you and they prescribe something else, be sure to ask about any potential interactions or side effects with over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Which One Is Better: Azithromycin or Doxycycline?

Azithromycin or Doxycyline which is better | e-surgery

When comparing these two treatments side by side, they seem to have similar dosages, but Doxycycline can be given twice daily. In general, they have similar effectiveness in treating chlamydial infections. They both work by stopping the bacteria from reproducing. However, Doxycycline is used as the first line of defense. In general, they have similar effectiveness in treating chlamydial infections. They both work by stopping the bacteria from reproducing.

If you are unsure on whether the best option is Azithromycin or Doxycycline, you should contact your GP.

Can I Buy Azithromycin or Doxycycline Online?

Yes, Azithromycin or Doxycycline can be purchased from reputed and registered online pharmacies like e-Surgery.

e-Surgery is a trusted online pharmacy store that provides original medicines at a reasonable price. Their services include discreet packaging, fast delivery, Ask-a-Pharmacist, and more.

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SOURCES

1. ᐅ Chlamydia: The Silent STI Symptoms and Treatment | e-Surgery

2. Chlamydia | NHS

3. About Azithromycin | NHS

4. Doxycycline Versus Azithromycin for the Treatment of Rectal Chlamydia in Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial | NCBI

5. How and when to take Doxycycline | NHS

Further Reading

1. Doxycycline (Vibramycin) vs. Azithromycin (Zithromax) | Medicine.Net

2. Azithromycin or Doxycycline for Asymptomatic Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis | New England Journal of Medicine

3. Azithromycin versus doxycycline for genital chlamydial infections | PubMed