For early syphilis, what is the recommended treatment regimen?

For early syphilis, what is the recommended treatment regimen?

• A. Penicillin G benzathine IM 2.4 million units x 1 dose
• B. Doxycycline for 14 days
• C. Ceftriaxone daily for 7 days
• D. Acyclovir for 10 days

Answer: (A)

Early syphilis is best treated with a single intramuscular dose of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units. This long-acting penicillin delivers adequate, sustained levels to eradicate Treponema pallidum with one dose and has proven high efficacy and safety for uncomplicated cases. Alternatives exist for penicillin allergy or intolerance, such as doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, but it’s not the preferred option due to lower proven efficacy in some patients and adherence considerations. Ceftriaxone can be used as an alternative with a longer course (often 10–14 days), but a 7-day regimen is not considered sufficient. Acyclovir has no activity against the bacterium that causes syphilis and is ineffective for this infection.

Early syphilis is best treated with a single intramuscular dose of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units. This long-acting penicillin delivers adequate, sustained levels to eradicate Treponema pallidum with one dose and has proven high efficacy and safety for uncomplicated cases.

Alternatives exist for penicillin allergy or intolerance, such as doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, but it’s not the preferred option due to lower proven efficacy in some patients and adherence considerations. Ceftriaxone can be used as an alternative with a longer course (often 10–14 days), but a 7-day regimen is not considered sufficient. Acyclovir has no activity against the bacterium that causes syphilis and is ineffective for this infection.