Here's a stupid medical question which will reveal how little I know about antibiotics.

It is my impression that the treatment for most STD's are antibiotics.  If someone had an STD and was prescribed an antibiotic in order (for example) to prevent infection following a root canal, would the dosage taken in connection with the dental procedure likely cure any STD's, or other ailments, hanging around at the time?

Just curious.

I'm no doctor, but usually the antibiotics given for STD's (From my understanding--never had one-knock wood) are different from those you would take for anti biotics before or after a root canal.

I wouldn't think gee, I'll just take these and be fine.

If you even think you have something- go in, get tested and find out.

Better to be safe than sorry. I know people with major problemos because they let STD's go...

Unfortunately today's STDs are no longer syphillis and such that are treated easily by antibiotics (these being bacterial).  The STDs of today are viral (Herpes) or retroviral (AIDS) and cannot be cured, just 'contained'.  More research is needed here -

When a doctor prescribes antibiotics, they are usually in a dosage that will treat the original bacterial infection or aid in the prevention of it.  There are so many antibiotics out there and to my knowledge, not one is a "cure all".  Some are definitely stronger than others (those given after surgery vs. those given for a respiratory infection). The ones used to treat strep throat or chlamydia will not be the same strain to treat bacterial vaginosis or an ear infection.

Antibiotics are not just penicillin anymore.  If you suspect an STD, then please see a doctor and not try to self-treat.  This has greater repercussions than you would imagine.

the term STD includes bacterial diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia. they are treated with antibiotics and are not exceedingly dangerous - unless undetected and untreated. see:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdclam.htm

if you are receiving antibiotics for something else, and that antibiotic happens to be effective against your bacterial std, then sure - it will work. but the odds aren't great.

syphillis is a bloodborne disease like hiv or hepatitis. viral, bloodborne diseases have no cure at this time, though there are many possibilities. antibiotics will have no affect whatsoever on their treatment.

herpes is also a viral disease, but can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, no sharing of body fluids necessary as with the bloodbornes. there is no cure for herpes.

"what's the difference between love and herpes"?

- herpes is forever.

...the critical difference is bacterial which is usually killed by widespectrum antibiotics (Zithromax, etc.)  But...the prievious poster is correct in that self treatment is dangerous and you could contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains (pneumonia, etc.).  Viral (&retroviral) whether bloodborne or not are not yet killed by antivirals, just contained...I know I am repeating myself but this is really quite simple.  Thus HSV or HIV is...forever.

-- Modified on 1/17/2004 6:55:45 PM

Don't second guess when it comes to health risks and also the responsibility to others.
Your own doctor, any clinic, Plannet Parenthood.
It's private, nobody thinks anything of it, and you will be assured.
If that was the reason you were asking - get tested.
And remember, enter in your PDA or PC for testing six months later - testing needs to be continual, not just when you think something is wrong.

HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, syhillis, clamydia, and HepB.
(ask about GW)

On the assumption that you are smart enough to not treat yourself, here is an answer to your question.
Gonorrhea is usually treated with a single 500 mg dose of Ciprofloxcin, although if exposed in Asia and California where drug-resistance is known, a doctor may opt to use a single injection of Crftriaxone (Rocephin) since the oral drug Cefixime (Suprax) is no longer manufactured. Other possible treatments are: single 2 g. dose of Azithromycin or 7 days of Doxycycline.

Chlamydia is usually treated with a single 1 g. dose of Azithromycin (which will also treat for Chancroid) or 7 days of Doxycycline.

Syphilis is best treated with an injection of Benzathine penicillin but can also be treated with 14 days of Doxycycline or 14 days of Tetracycline or a single 2g. dose of Azithromycin.

Single dose treatments are favored because there is no risk of someone not completing the full prescription, which can lead to a bigger problem. (A good reason to not treat yourself)

Don't count on other drugs prescribed for other infections having a beneficial effect for the above STDs.

-- Modified on 1/19/2004 7:22:11 AM