Martha's Case: The Unwelcome Phone Call

Any of the four choices of regimens are correct and effective in treating chlamydia.

• Azithromycin 1g PO single dose
• Doxycycline 100mg PO BID for 7 days
• Ofloxacin 300mg PO BID for 7 days
• Erythromycin 2g/day PO in divided doses for 7 days

Again, directly observed therapy with a single dose regimen is desirable to guarantee adherence.

If Martha was pregnant your choices for the treatment of chlamydia would include amoxicillin 500mg PO TID for 7 days, erythromycin 2g/day PO in divided doses for 7 days or azithromycin 1g PO in a single dose. To date, there is limited data on azithromycin in pregnancy but it is considered safe in this context by many experts.

If erythromycin or amoxicillin are used, repeat testing after completion of therapy is advisable.

You also need to advise Martha on the effects antibiotics may have on the reliability of oral contraceptives. Specifically Martha should abstain from sex or use additional protection for the rest of her current cycle.

To learn more about the treatment of chlamydia, please click here.