Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is no longer recommended for treating gonorrhea or chlamydia due to widespread antibiotic resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations advise against its use.
Gonorrhea Resistance
Studies consistently demonstrate high rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to ciprofloxacin. For example, a 2010 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed treatment failure rates exceeding 50% in some regions. This resistance continues to rise globally, rendering Cipro ineffective against most gonorrhea strains.
Chlamydia Resistance
While chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) initially showed less resistance to Cipro compared to gonorrhea, resistance is increasing. The CDC discourages Cipro use for chlamydia as alternative, more reliable antibiotics are available and resistance development would limit treatment options.
Recommended Alternatives
- Gonorrhea: Ceftriaxone (intramuscular injection) is currently the first-line treatment recommended by the CDC for gonorrhea. Dual therapy, combining Ceftriaxone with azithromycin, is often used to address co-infections and potential resistance. Chlamydia: Azithromycin (oral) is a highly effective and widely recommended treatment for chlamydia.
Important Note
Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Self-treating STIs can be dangerous and lead to complications. They should provide the latest guidelines and select appropriate treatment based on local resistance patterns.
Further Research
CDC website on Gonorrhea treatment guidelines CDC website on Chlamydia treatment guidelines Relevant publications in peer-reviewed medical journals.
