Does Keflex Successfully Cure Chlamydia Infections?

Does Keflex Treat Chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection, especially among young sexually active adults. Left untreated, it can cause serious reproductive complications. But can Keflex (cephalexin), a widely used antibiotic, cure chlamydia?

What is Chlamydia?

The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis causes the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia. Many people with chlamydia exhibit no symptoms, which allows it to spread unknowingly between partners during unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Without treatment, chlamydia infections can progress, damaging reproductive organs and potentially causing infertility. Yearly screening allows early detection and treatment in at-risk individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

Up to 70% of chlamydia cases produce no immediate symptoms. When present, signs may appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure, including:

• Burning urination
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal irritation and swelling
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or discomfort during sex

Without treatment, symptoms may recur or intensify over months to years as infection spreads silently to other reproductive organs.

Is Keflex Used to Treat Chlamydia?

No. Keflex (cephalexin) belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. While very useful treating various bacterial infections, Keflex is not considered effective for curing chlamydia.

Antibiotics Used for Treating Chlamydia

Chlamydia infection requires targeted antibiotic treatment to penetrate cell membranes and stop bacterial growth. Recommended antibiotics include:

Azithromycin

This antibiotic prevents chlamydia bacteria from multiplying by disrupting their protein production. Single 1 gram oral doses successfully cure chlamydia genital infections >95% of cases.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline binds to 30S ribosomal subunits in chlamydia bacteria, blocking their ability to synthesize proteins. A 100 mg dose taken twice per day for one week cures chlamydia.

Gastrointestinal upset sometimes occurs with oral doxycycline.

Erythromycin

Similar to azithromycin, this macrolide antibiotic attacks 50S ribosomal subunits in chlamydia bacteria, stopping protein development needed for growth and replication. For treatment, erythromycin base 500 mg is taken orally 4 times per day for 7 days.

Success rates approach 98% when partner treatment ensures no re-exposure from infected partners. Erythromycin produces more gastrointestinal side effects than newer macrolides.

Importance of Partner Treatment

Successfully treating chlamydia requires oral antibiotics to eradicate infection plus treating all sexual partners within the prior 60 days to prevent reinfection and spread.

The CDC advises:

• Sexual partners should abstain from intercourse for 7 days after single-dose or full 7-day antibiotic treatment is completed.
• Every partner should get simultaneously tested and treated for chlamydia.
• Avoid further sexual contact if your partner did not receive treatment.
• Consider repeat testing after 3-4 months if re-exposure is suspected.

Why Retesting Matters

Repeat infections after treatment are relatively common, estimated up to 30% within 18 months. This results primarily from resuming sex too soon before partners complete treatment.

Retesting 3-4 months later ensures apparent "cure" wasn't merely suppression until antibiotics wore off. Repeat screening also detects repeat infections due to non-adherence with partner therapy or new exposures.

Dangers of Left Untreated

Consequences of untreated chlamydia worsen progressively with ongoing genital tract inflammation, scarring and upper reproductive infection over months to years. Potential complications include:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Chlamydia bacteria can ascend female reproductive organs, infecting the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Resulting pelvic inflammation causes chronic pelvic pain, fever, nausea, infertility and higher ectopic pregnancy risk.

Epididymitis

Unresolved infections can spread down male reproductive structures as well, causing swelling and discomfort in tubes storing and transporting sperm from the testicles.

Infertility

Genital tract scarring from chronic infection commonly permanently harms male and female fertility despite eventual antibiotic treatment.

Higher HIV Risk

Inflamed genital tissues raise vulnerability for acquiring HIV infection if exposed during sex with someone HIV-positive.

Reactive Arthritis

A small percentage individuals with unresolved chlamydia infection develop reactive arthritis - joint pain and swelling - weeks after the initial exposure.

Screening Recommendations

Annual chlamydia screening allows early detection and treatment in asymptomatic people at increased risk, including:

• Women under 25 years old
• Sexually active women over 25 with new or multiple partners
• Men who have oral or anal sex with other men
• Individuals with a confirmed infected partner

Pregnant women should get screened again during the 3rd trimester to prevent transmission during labor and delivery.

If you experience recurrent signs after completing treatment, immediately contact your doctor for prompt assessment.

The Takeaway

While very effective treating numerous types of infections, Keflex and similar cephalosporin antibiotics do NOT successfully cure chlamydia.

Azithromycin, doxycycline or erythromycin reliably treat chlamydia when prescribed in adequate dosages for full 7 day courses. Avoiding all sexual contact for at least one week after treatment allows infected tissues to heal.

Crucially, all partners must simultaneously undergo testing and antibiotic treatment to avoid ping-pong reinfections. Consider follow up screening too. This approach gives the best chance for resolving chlamydia infections long term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.