Chlamydia
The regional formulary will not cover all eventualities for infections medicines choices. As with any condition; patient specific factors and sensitivities need to be considered. Please consider this regional formulary advice alongside any relevant local Board guidelines.
Treatment of chlamydia
Doxycycline
Doxycycline 100mg capsules
100mg every 12 hours for 7 days.
Suitable for use in pregnancy/breastfeeding and in allergy or intolerance to doxycycline.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin 250mg tablets
1g (4 x 250mg) single dose followed by 500mg daily for 2 days.
Azithromycin 500mg tablets
1g (4 x 250mg) single dose followed by 500mg daily for 2 days.
Prescribing Notes:
- Azithromycin may be used in pregnancy. There is limited data on human use in pregnancy, but clinical experience suggests that it is safe and effective.
- See UK BASHH Guidelines for the management of genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis for further information.
- Patients should be advised to avoid sexual intercourse (including oral sex) until they and their partner(s) have completed treatment (wait 7 days if treatment with azithromycin). Advice regarding appropriate action if using hormonal contraceptives is also required.
- See also recommendations for chlamydia conjunctivitis.
- With any genital symptoms consider a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis.
History Notes
30/07/2026
Regional formulary chapter launched.