Syphilis

Medications

The treatment of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is complex. If taken properly, antibiotic treatment with penicillin will usually cure a syphilis infection. If syphilis has progressed to the tertiary stage, antibiotics can prevent further complications, but they cannot reverse damage that has already occurred. Prompt antibiotic treatment will decrease complications and prevent the spread of the infection.

Exposed sex partners should be treated for syphilis. The chancres in syphilis can make transmission of HIV more likely, so testing for both syphilis and HIV should be done.

Medication Choices

Antibiotics are always used to treat syphilis.

What To Think About

In rare cases, the first attempt at treatment does not cure the syphilis infection. Follow-up blood tests are needed to be sure the infection is cured.

Guidelines for the treatment of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases are continually updated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: October 2, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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