Chlamydia

Prescribing Notes:

• Azithromycin may be used in pregnancy. There is limited data on human use in pregnancy, but clinical experience suggests that it is safe and effective.
• See UK BASHH National Guidelines for the management of genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis for further information.
• Patients should be advised to avoid sexual intercourse (including oral sex) until they and their partner(s) have completed treatment (wait 7 days if treatment with azithromycin). Advice regarding appropriate action if using hormonal contraceptives is also required.
• See also recommendations for chlamydia conjunctivitis.
• For chlamydial epididymo-orchitis where gonorrhoea is excluded, use doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 14 days.
• With any genital symptoms always consider the possibility of sexually transmitted infection (STI). People with risk factors should be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. Refer the individual and partners to sexual health service. Risk factors: younger patient, a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the past year, lack of consistent condom use and a contact of a sexually transmitted infection.