Comparative trial of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of gonorrhea.

This single-blind (investigator) comparative study was designed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of 1 g of azithromycin vs 500 mg of ciprofloxacin both given as a single oral dose in patients with gonorrhea, who were constantly on the move. One hundred eight patients (59 men and 49 women) with clinically suspected gonococcal infection, confirmed by Gram-stain and culture, were enrolled. Data of 50 patients treated with azithromycin and 51 with ciprofloxacin were evaluable for efficacy and tolerability at the end of the study. After 2 weeks clinical and microbiological cure rates were 96.0% (48 out of 50) for the patients treated with azithromycin and 92.15% (47 out of 51) for the patients treated with ciprofloxacin (p > 0.05). Adverse reactions were reported in 5 patients treated with azithromycin and 6 with ciprofloxacin. In conclusion, 1 g azithromycin is at least as clinically and microbiologically effective and well tolerated as 500 mg of ciprofloxacin in the treatment of gonococcal infections. The drug is particularly useful for sailors and people constantly on the move.