[Question #9070] Chlamydia Treatment Failure
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36 months ago
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Two weeks ago I tested positive for chlamydia via a urine test. I am a heterosexual female. I was prescribed 2 500 mg tablets of azithromycin. However at the same time I took the two pills I also took one zinc and magnesium pill. For whatever reason I decided to Google afterwards and saw that magnesium can mess with the effectiveness of the treatment. I have had no symptoms. I got tested due to a recent exposure. About 5 days after taking the treatment I began to have an irregular period. I have two questions. First, would the zinc and magnesium pill render the treatment ineffective? Also, is the irregular period a sign of active chlamydia?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your question, it is an important one. You received the recommended dose of azithromycin for your chlamydial infection however, magnesium based antacids taken within 2 hours of taking azithromycin may reduce the efficacy of the medication. Whether or not magnesium supplements do the same thing is less clear. There are no data to suggest that zinc supplements interfere with the activity of the drug.
There are many potential causes of irregular periods and chlamydial infection can occasionally be associated in this way but is not the sole cause by any means.
You don't mention when you took your magnesium and zinc in relationship to azithromycin and, at this point, may not remember (I probably would not). In addition, recently although azithromycin remains highly effective for chlamydial infection, the CDC changed its recommendation to favor use of doxycycline, taken twice daily for treatment of chlamydia. My advice at this time is to have a so-called "test of cure" test for chlamydial infection. It remains more likely than not that your azithromycin cured your chlamydial infection but better to be safe than sorry.
I hope this information is helpful. If there are further question, please don't hesitate to use your up to two follow-ups for clarification. EWH
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36 months ago
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Hi Doctor,
I took all 3 pills at the same time. Also, I didn’t mention that I have suffered from issues with my period in the past. I’m not currently having any other symptoms of an STI. This is the only thing and it occurred days after I took the treatment.
When should I retest?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
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Thanks so much for the additional information. While it is far more likely than not that the medication worked, I think it is better to be safe than sorry and re-test. I anticipate that you will find that your infection has been cured but why take the chance. EWH---
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36 months ago
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When should I retest?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
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Now would be fine. If the treatment failed, retesting at this time would provide accurate results. EWH---
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36 months ago
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How soon after finishing treatment am I not contagious?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
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We provide up to three responses to each client's questions. This is my 4th response. Thus this thread will be closed after this response is posted without further responses. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. EWH---