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Two new drug combinations effective against gonorrhea

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CDC researchers have identified two new antibiotic regimens that could be used to treat gonorrhea, according to data presented at the 20th Meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research in Vienna.

One regimen, injectable gentamicin plus oral azithromycin, was 100% effective at curing genital gonorrhea infections in the 202 participants who received the medication. An all oral regimen of gemifloxacin and azithromycin was 99.5% effective in 199 participants. Both combinations were 100% effective at curing infections of the throat and rectum.

However, gastrointestinal adverse effects were common. Among the participants who received gentamicin/azithromycin, 28% experienced nausea, 19% experienced diarrhea and 7% experienced abdominal discomfort or vomiting. Among those who received gemifloxacin/azithromycin, 37% experienced nausea, 23% experienced diarrhea and 11% experienced abdominal discomfort or vomiting.

“These trial results are an exciting step in the right direction in the fight against drug-resistant gonorrhea,” Gail Bolan, MD, director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said in a press release. “But patients need more oral options with fewer side effects. It is imperative that researchers and pharmaceutical companies prioritize research to continue to identify new, effective, better-tolerated drugs and drug combinations.”

 

Gail Bolan

These study results do not change current CDC recommendations for gonorrhea treatment: injectable ceftriaxone with azithromycin or doxycycline. However, these alternative recommendations may be used if ceftriaxone cannot be used, such as in the case of an allergy. All of the drugs in the study are FDA-approved and available in the United States.

For more information:

Kirkcaldy R. #S08.1. Presented at: 20th Meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research; July 14-17, 2013; Vienna.

Disclosure: Bolan and the researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.