chlamydial infection (s1) Flashcards
what are the symptoms of chlamydia
there are usually no symptoms but if it is left untreated it can lead to. o Women- pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal infertility. - pain when urinating - unusual vaginal discharge - pain in the tummy or pelvis - pain or bleeding during sex - bleeding after sex - bleeding between periods - heavier periods than usual
o Men- epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis
- pain when urinating
- white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
- burning or itching in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body)
- pain in the testicles
o Both- Reiter’s syndrome
why is the chlamydia screening programme important?
- Prevent and control chlamydia through early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infection
- Reduce onward transmission to sexual partners
- Prevent the consequences of untreated infection.
what patients are suitable for the chlamydia treatment in pharmacies?
provided to people under 25 usually when someone purchases condoms or contraceptives.
people under 16 can be supplied if they fit the fraiser guidelines
what are the fraser guidelines
- a person who understands health proffesionals advice
- they cannot persude the patient to inform parents that they are seeking contraceptive advise
- a person who is likely to continue or begin having intercourse
- unless they recieve the treatmen the mental or physical health of a patient is at risk
- it is better for the young persons best interests
what is chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
The bacteria are found in the semen of men and vaginal fluids of women who have the infection.
Chlamydia is easily passed from one person to another through unprotected sex.
what are the aims of providing chlamydia testing in pharmacies
- maximising the capacity of places that can deliver sceenings, as treatment and partner management is likely to be a cost effective strategy
- to increase acess to the NCSP
- to increase the access of treatment available
- to increase access of advice for patients
- to increase clients knowledge on stis
- to strengthen the network of contraceptive and sexual halth services to aprovide an easy and swift network
what is the usual treatment for chlamyia
- Pharmacists are able to supply suitable patients with azithromycin, once they have been tested positive
- This is supplied via a patient PGD.
- The pharmacy will need to assess the suitability of the person to receive the locally agreed antibiotic treatment., inline with the criteria in the PGD.
- If the supply of the local antibiotic is not available the patient will be referred to local sexual health services
what is the inclusion criteria for a pgd
- over the age of 15 and have recieved a positive result
- uncomplicated case of chlamyida
- under 16s must be asses using fraser guidelines
what is the exclusion criteria for treating a patient with azithromicin via pgd
- Age 14 years and under
- Breastfeeding
- Established pregnancy
- Risk of pregnancy
- History of hepatic or renal disease
- Porphyria
- History of cardiac disease
- HIV positive client
- Male clients with scrotal pain
- Female clients with pelvic pain
- Presence of genital tract symptoms, e.g. urinary symptoms such as stinging when passing urine, penile discharge, unusual vaginal discharge and/or bleeding
- Concomitant conjunctivitis and/or joint pain
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- Patients taking interacting medicines - check BNF for current information
what is the usual dosage for azithromycin
1 gram as a single dose taken as 4 250 mg tablets
what are some drug interactions with azithromycin
warfrin statins ciclosporin drugs that prolong QT interval drugs that cause hypokalamia
advise to give client when taking azithromycin
take contraceptive as normal
if they are given antibiotics they may need to recieve emergency contraception
do not have the usual 7 day break in contraceptives
chlamydia may return after treatment if in contact with a carrier
avoid taking antacids when using
abstain from sex for 7 days after taking
take with water and food taken within the previous 2 hours
