What is the recommended treatment for gonorrhea?

The recommended treatment for gonorrhea is ceftriaxone 500 mg administered intramuscularly. This guideline is based on the rise of antibiotic resistance seen with gonococcal infections, making it crucial to use effective treatment that can combat resistant strains. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea.

Current clinical guidelines often recommend combining ceftriaxone with azithromycin for dual therapy, as this approach helps cover potential co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and reduces the risk of further resistance developing. However, in the context of this specific question, the focus on ceftriaxone treatment aligns with the current standard of care, which highlights its role as a primary therapy due to its effectiveness and the need to ensure patient compliance with a one-time injectable dose.