What is the recommended treatment for early syphilis?

The recommended treatment for early syphilis is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G at a dosage of 2.4 million units once. This treatment is strongly supported by clinical guidelines and is considered the most effective option for addressing early syphilis, which includes primary, secondary, and early latent stages.

Benzathine penicillin G works by eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which is responsible for syphilis. The single-dose regimen is highly effective and allows for easy administration. It is particularly beneficial because it provides sustained penicillin levels in the body over time, effectively treating the infection and reducing the risk of complications if the infection is left untreated.

Understanding the other treatments is important, as they are not standard for early syphilis. Oral doxycycline, while used for certain patients who are allergic to penicillin or in specific cases of syphilis, is generally not the first-line treatment in early cases. Intravenous ceftriaxone is reserved for more complicated cases, such as neurosyphilis or those with penicillin allergies who cannot tolerate other options. Oral azithromycin may be employed in some contexts, but it is not recommended as a primary treatment due to concerns about