Gonococcal pharyngitis medical therapy

Overview
Gonococcal pharyngitis is a sexually transmitted infection of the tonsils and back of the throat (pharynx).

There are two parts to successfully treating a sexually transmitted disease, especially one as easily spread as gonorrhea. The first is to cure the infected person. The second is to locate, test, and treat all of that person's sexual contacts to prevent further spread of the disease.

Mandatory reporting of gonococcal disease has been instituted and has kept the number of cases of gonorrhea at a low level. However, the number of cases is rising, especially among men who have sex with men in large urban centers.

The bacteria that causes this disease has become resistant to certain drugs. Today, ceftriaxone injected into a muscle is the only antibiotic used to treat gonococcal pharyngitis.

People who are allergic to penicillin and cephalosporin may be prescribed azithromycin, which is taken by mouth.

In addition to treatment for gonorrhea, people are usually treated at the same time for chlamydia. Chlamydia often causes infection at the same time as gonorrhea, but it can be harder to diagnose.