Common Medication Prescribed

This is not a complete list of all types of medications. However, these are some of the more common drugs used by doctors. In addition, a medication called Azithromycin is used sometimes to prevent STDs in victims of sexual assault.

Antibiotics are usually quite effective in treating bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

On the other hand, viral STDs - genital herpes, HPV (genital warts), hepatitis B, and HIV - cannot be cured. Medications can be used to relieve symptoms, however.

For diseases caused by parasistes, such as trichomoniasis and pubic lice, medication is often effective in treatment.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Interferon. This is a protein that is naturally made in the body to fight viruses by boosting the immune system. The medication is a synthetic version and slows down or stops the HBV virus from damaging the liver. You will have to give yourself shots several times a week. Treatment for HBV lasts a few months. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle aches after the first shot. As your body gets used to the medication, these side effects go away. The drug might also cause headaches, tiredness, a decrease in appetite and joint pain. You will need blood tests at least once a month. Interferon is not used if there is cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.

Adefovir (Hepsera®). This is an antiviral medication, which prevents replication of the HBV virus. Severe worsening of hepatitis (rarely including death) has occurred when adefovir is stopped. When your doctor tells you to stop taking the medication, you will be monitored closely for signs of worsening hepatitis. Side effects may include weakness, headache, fever, increased cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and gas.

Lamivudine (Epivir®). This may be used along with interferon to help fight the HBV virus. Side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, change in appetite, dizziness, weakness and muscle aches. If these symptoms don't go away, tell your doctor, especially if you have a skin rash, fever, chills, stuffy nose, cough, stomach pain, severe weakness, unusual fatigue, tingling of the hands or feet, rapid breathing, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Antibiotics are effective in treating PID.

Trichomoniasis or Bacterial Vaginitis

Metronidazole (Flagyl®). Metronidazole is an antibacterial drug and kills any infectious bacteria. You and your partner must finish this prescription to keep the bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics. Side effects may include seizures and tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Drugs called 5-notroimidazoles are also used to treat trichomoniasis.

Herpes

Taking anti-viral medicine daily may reduce the frequency of attacks by 80 percent in people with severe genital herpes.

Acyclovir (Zovirax®). This is an antiviral medication that relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster. Side effects may include rash, diarrhea, dizziness and nausea and vomiting. You can get this medication in pills or a cream. For creams, it may cause burning, pain or itching where you apply it and is less effective than pills.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex®). This medication is an antiviral. It may reduce how many outbreaks you get by affecting how the virus reproduces. Many people have few outbreaks and don't need this kind of medicine. This medication can also lower the risk of spreading the disease whether you have an outbreak or not. Side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness.

Famciclovir (Famvir®) is another antiviral agent that is used for treatment sometimes.

Symptoms may also be reduced with the use of pain relievers.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Podofilox gel can be applied to the warts.

Imiquimod cream can be applied to the warts.

Chemical treatments, used by your doctor, can destroy warts.

Interferon. This antiviral drug is injected by your doctor into the wart. The drug works on your body's immune system and interferes with the reproduction of the virus in your cells. Your doctor may use interferon if you don't respond to creams or gels.

Lice

Permethrin (NIX®). This is usually needed only once. However, a follow-up application may be given several days later. Side effects may include itching, tingling, numbness, redness or irritation.

Crabs, a member of the head lice family, can be treated with over-the-counter lotions as well as the prescription medicine Kwell.

Syphilis

An injection of penicillin is the most effective drug to treat people with syphilis.

Gonorrhea or Chlamydia

In the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax) or erythromycin, or give an injection of an antibiotic called ceftriaxone (Rocephin) followed by oral doxycycline (many brand names).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The drug AZT can help HIV patients maintain a healthy immune system and prevent infections. Talk to your doctor about other new or experimental drugs that can be used to delay the course of the disease.

A combination drug called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be prescribed. The medications must be taken every day for the rest of your life. For many, this drug has turned HIV into a treatable chronic disease - not a fatal one.

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.