Azithromycin in the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections

The unique pharmacological profile of the azalide macrolide azithromycin, coupled with its in vitro activity against both Chlamydia trachomatis and the ureaplasmas, suggested that genital infections caused by these bacteria could be successfully treated with a single dose of the antibiotic. This has now been confirmed in worldwide clinical studies. A single oral dose of azithromycin 1 g eradicates C. trachomatis in almost 100% of cases of non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Unfortunately, there are no specific clinical signs for genital chlamydial infection. It is therefore necessary to use therapy effective against known and unknown pathogens for treating lower genital tract infection. Clinical cure rates for both chlamydial and non-chlamydial, non-gonococcal infections compare favourably with standard 7-day doxycycline therapy, being in excess of 85%. Side effects are few (< 20%) and essentially minor.