What is the treatment for syphilis?

The treatment for syphilis is penicillin G, which is considered the first-line therapy for all stages of the disease. This antibiotic is effective due to its ability to target and kill the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. Penicillin G has a long history of use in treating syphilis and is recognized for its efficacy in resolving the infection and preventing further complications, including neurological or cardiovascular issues that can arise from untreated syphilis.

Other antibiotics like doxycycline and azithromycin can be alternatives for patients who are allergic to penicillin or in specific situations, but they are not the standard treatment due to concerns about effectiveness across all stages of the disease. Doxycycline may be used for uncomplicated cases in penicillin-allergic individuals but is not preferred compared to penicillin G. Trimethoprim is not used for syphilis treatment as it does not target the organism responsible for the infection. Therefore, for clear management of syphilis, penicillin G remains the most reliable and recommended option.