Medications Used for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Their Side Effects

There are many types of drug therapies used to treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Antibiotics are the first line of defense for many sexually transmitted diseases, however whenever antibiotics are given it is always necessary to inquire about any medications allergies, especially allergies to Penicillin or Cephalosporins.

Penicillin is the most common antibiotic treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea. Side effects of Penicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis and wheezing.

Erythromycin is another antibiotic given for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, lymphogranuloma venereum and chancroid, as well as prophylactically to prevent eye infections in newborns. Erythromycin can cause side effects that include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, ototoxicity and hepatitis. If a person notices jaundice or tinnitus they should immediately contact their medical doctor.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic therapy given for syphilis, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale and lymphogranuloma venereum. Doxycycline can however cause side effects that include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure and discoloration of teeth. Doxycycline should always be taken with meals and anyone taking Doxycycline should report immediately any dark urine or stool color to their physician.

Ceftriaxone is given for gonorrhea and this antibiotic has side effects that include nausea, vomiting, rash, decreased hematocrit and may cause a severe reaction if taken with alcohol. Anyone taking Ceftriaxone should report immediately if they begin to experience any fatigue to their physician.

Tetracycline is an antibiotic given for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Tetracycline may cause side effects that include discoloration of teeth, phototoxicity, super infections and nausea. Anyone taking Tetracycline should avoid antacids and dairy products. As well as out dated Tetracycline is nephrotoxic. If you are taking Tetracycline and develop a yeast infection you should immediately report it to your physician.

Ciprofloxacin is given for gonorrhea and some side effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and headache. Anyone taking Ciprofloxacin should drink plenty of water and avoid antacids while taking the medication.

In some cases antiviral medications are given for sexually transmitted diseases.

Acyclovir is given for herpes and has been know to decrease the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Acyclovir has several side effects including headache, nausea, diarrhea, renal failure and vomiting.

Caustics are used to treat venereal warts. Podophyllum resin is the most common caustic used on venereal warts. The most common side effects for caustic medication are leukoplakia, peripheral neuropathy and thrombocytopenia, as well as irritation of the skin. Caustics are highly toxic and should only be applied to the effected area by a physician. Caustics should never be used on open wounds or sores.

References for this article include:
www.healthsquare.com/nav_indices/std_index.htm
www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/tc/chlamydia-medications
www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_men/article.htm