Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that starts as a painless sore on the genitals, mouth or another part of the body. If left untreated, the painless sore may disappear, which may lead to a false sense of security in the patient. This is called latent syphilis and requires treatment to prevent the spread of syphilis to the brain or heart. MayoClinic.com states that two-thirds of new infections occur in men who have sex with men and rates are higher in African-Americans than whites. If infected, the treatment of syphilis in the primary or latent stage is important in preventing serious complications.
Penicillin
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), penicillin can be used to treat latent syphilis. Penicillin kills the syphilis virus, which prevents the disease from progression. A single dose is needed if the patient has been infected for less than one year. However, if the infection occurred more than one year prior to treatment, multiple doses may be necessary, states MayoClinic.com. Patients should be aware that penicillin could cause reactions that include fever, chills, nausea, achy pain and headache. These symptoms last for only a day in most cases.
Doxycycline
If a patient is allergic to penicillin, he may take doxycycline to treat latent syphilis. This antibiotic slows the growth of bacteria in the body. Slowing the growth of the syphilis bacteria allows the body’s immune response to catch up and effectively fight the syphilis bacteria. This medication must be taken twice a day for two weeks to be effective, according to the AAFP. If a patient misses a dose, or stops taking the antibiotic early, he may develop an antibiotic-resistant strain of syphilis bacteria. Side effects of doxycycline include severe headache, dizziness, fever, chills, severe blistering, pale or yellowed skin, loss of appetite or easy bruising, states Drugs.com. A patient should seek immediate medical treatment if he experiences any of these symptoms.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an effective antibiotic in treating latent syphilis, states the AAFP. Tetracycline kills the syphilis bacteria in the body and prevents its spread. To be effective, a patient must take the medication four times a day for four weeks. A missed dose can result in antibiotic-resistant syphilis strains. Furthermore, a patient should immediately call his doctor is he begins to experience severe headache, blurry vision, fever, chills, severe blistering, dark urine, confusion, weakness, stomach pain or easy bruising. If symptoms do not improve after antibiotic therapy, a patient should let his doctor know.
