Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are becoming more common in Nigeria, creating a greater need for effective antibiotics to treat these conditions.
We will discuss the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for STDs in Nigeria, as well as their uses, side effects, and potential interactions with other medications.
What are antibiotics?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria in humans and animals by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
Antibiotics are different from antifungal and antimitotic agents. Sometimes the word antibiotics and antimicrobial are used interchangeably but they are not the same.
Antibiotics are specifically used against bacteria but antimicrobial agents can be used on bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. This effectively means that antibiotics do not work on viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in a way that causes the ineffectiveness of antibiotics. This is why a drug that worked for a previous illness may not work again.
When this happens, it makes infections difficult to treat hence it increases the risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death.
What causes antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is usually caused by the overuse of antibiotics, poor infection prevention and control in healthcare settings, and inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.
Other times it could be a result of unnecessary antibiotic use. You can misuse an antibiotic when you take the wrong antibiotic for the wrong infection, the wrong dose, or not adhering to the length of time for the intake either by not reaching it or extending it.
This is partly why self-medication is a taboo for some drugs including antibiotics. Shortly you will see the dangers of antibiotic resistance among humans.
Why antibiotic resistance is a problem
Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Co-Chair of the IACG said “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats we face as a global community. This report reflects the depth and scope of the response needed to curb its rise and protect a century of progress in health.”
The problems associated with antibiotic resistance are quite enormous. And these problems are putting a heavy strain on health professionals around the world and subsequently are putting more humans at risk.
- Increasing deaths
- Higher healthcare costs
- Reduced effectiveness
- Increased hospitalization
Increasing deaths
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700,000 people die each year worldwide due to infections that are resistant to antibiotics. If care is not taken to solve this menace, the number of deaths per year caused by these infections is projected to rise to 10 million by the year 2050.
Higher healthcare costs
According to CDC, the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections has resulted in a rise in healthcare expenses and the estimated cost is over 20 billion dollars per year in direct healthcare expenses and loss of productivity in the United States.
If you should work by this number, it is clear Nigeria might have similar costs on its neck, as its healthcare system is generally underfunded.
Reduced effectiveness
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that around 30% of antibiotics prescribed for patients are unnecessary. And it reports that this is due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
This worrying trend is leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, compromising the effectiveness of commonly prescribed antibiotics in treating infections.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC also warned against the increasing rate or irrational use of antibiotics.
Increased hospitalization
According to a study by the World Health Organization, patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are 64% more likely to die than people with drug-sensitive infections.
Each year, an estimated number of over 33,000 people die in Europe due to antibiotic-resistant infections.
What are STIs?
STIs are sexually transmitted infections that are spread by sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and it happens to both men and women.
Some examples of bacterial STIs include gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.
Some examples of viral STIs include human papillomavirus (HPV), HERPES, AND human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HPV causes genital warts, while herpes and HIV can cause more severe health problems.
Examples of parasitic STIs include pubic lice, scabies, and giardia.
List of antibiotics for STI in Nigeria
The drugs for std infection in Nigeria work similarly to antibiotics found elsewhere. Antibiotics are usually grouped based on how they work (uses, side effects, and potential interactions).
Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis).
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
- Ceftriaxone
- Gentamicin
- Azithromycin
- Penicillin
- Tetracycline
- Amoxicillin
Antibiotics for gonorrhea in Nigeria
Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Ceftriaxone is used on it but it has tendencies of causing allergic reactions. In such cases, gentamicin and azithromycin intake is advised. Seek medical attention.
Antibiotics for chlamydia in Nigeria
According to CDC “Chlamydia is a common STD that can cause infection among both men and women. It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
Chlamydia is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. NAFDAC suggests that azithromycin may be useful against chlamydia. Doxycycline may also prove effective. Seek medical attention.
Antibiotics for syphilis in Nigeria
Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum. Penicillin, doxycycline, tetracycline, and ceftriaxone may be useful. There are four stages of syphilis and each stage has different signs and symptoms and the antibiotic that will be effective against them. Seek medical attention.
What Next?
Antibiotic resistance is real and self-medication is totally discouraged. We recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional for specific guidance on STIs treatment options.
Don’t self-medicate.