Martha's Case: The Unwelcome Phone Call

Any of the 4 choices of regimens are correct and effective in the treatment of gonorrhea.

• Cefixime 400mg PO single dose
• Ceftriaxone 125mg IM single dose
• Ciprofloxacin 500mg PO single dose
• Ofloxacin 400mg PO single dose

However it is important to contact your local public health authorities for guidelines on medication choices to treat gonorrhea in your region.

Be aware that individuals may prefer to take medication by mouth rather than by injection. Directly observed therapy with a single dose regimen is ideal because it ensures adherence.

If Martha was pregnant, cefixime and ceftriaxone would still be acceptable choices but ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin would not - they are contraindicated in pregnancy. Spectinomycin 2g IM in a single dose can also be used in pregnancy but in this case a test-of-cure is recommended.

All patients treated for gonorrhea should also be treated for chlamydial infection (please see question 10).

To learn more about the treatment of gonorrhea please click here.