Syphilis
Treatment Overview
Prompt treatment of syphilis is needed to cure the infection, prevent complications, and prevent the spread of the infection to others.
- Antibiotics effectively treat syphilis during any stage.
- Antibiotic treatment cannot reverse the damage caused by complications of late-stage syphilis, but it can prevent further complications from developing.
- Follow-up blood tests are required to ensure that treatment has been effective.1
- Exposed sex partners need to be examined, tested, and treated for syphilis.
Penicillin is the preferred drug for treating syphilis.1 Although penicillin is the standard therapy for the treatment of neurosyphilis, congenital syphilis, or syphilis acquired or detected during pregnancy, other antibiotics (such as ceftriaxone) may also be considered. If you are allergic to penicillin, it is very important to tell your doctor. Your doctor will still be able to treat the syphilis but may consult with a specialist on the best antibiotic choice.
What To Think About
The treatment of syphilis can be delayed or complicated because its symptoms are very similar to those of many other diseases and are sometimes not recognized. Syphilis has historically been referred to as "the great imitator."
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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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