Antibiotic regimen for asymptomatic pharyngeal gonococcal infection
To treat asymptomatic pharyngeal gonococcal infection, as a 2-drug regimen, useOng, 2023:
ceftriaxone 500 mg intramuscularly or intravenously, as a single dose ceftriaxone ceftriaxone ceftriaxone
PLUS
azithromycin 2 g orally, as a single dose1. azithromycin azithromycin azithromycin
For patients who have had a nonsevere (immediate or delayed) hypersensitivity reaction to a penicillin, use ceftriaxone plus azithromycin (as above).
For patients who have had a severe (immediate or delayed)2 hypersensitivity reaction to a penicillin, seek expert advice.
1 Azithromycin doses higher than 1 g may be associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects; tolerability may be improved by administering the dose with food or by dividing the dose (1 g immediately followed by 1 g 6 hours later)Ong, 2023.Return
2 Severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions include anaphylaxis, compromised airway, airway angioedema, hypotension and collapse. Severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions include cutaneous adverse drug reactions (eg drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS], Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis [SJS/TEN], severe blistering or desquamative rash), and significant internal organ involvement (eg acute interstitial nephritis).Return