Sexual health
Medicines for Syphilis
A bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses in stages and can cause serious harm if untreated — but is curable with antibiotics, especially when found early.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, passed on through close contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex, and from mother to baby in pregnancy. It progresses in stages if untreated.
- How it is treated: Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test (and sometimes a swab of a sore) and is curable with antibiotics, usually given by injection, with the treatment depending on the stage.
- Self-care: Using condoms, regular STI testing when sexually active or changing partners, and partner testing and treatment all help.
- When to seek help: Visit a sexual health clinic for a sore on the genitals, mouth or anus, an unexplained rash (especially on the palms or soles), or if a partner has syphilis, or for routine testing.
What it is
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, passed on through close contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex, and from mother to baby in pregnancy. It progresses in stages if untreated. The first sign is often a single, usually painless sore (which can be missed) where the infection entered. Weeks later a second stage can cause a rash (often on the palms and soles), flu-like symptoms and swollen glands. Symptoms then disappear (a latent stage), but without treatment the infection can persist and, years later, cause serious damage to the heart, brain, nerves and other organs. Rates have risen in recent years, and it is important because it is serious but curable when treated.
How it is treated
Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test (and sometimes a swab of a sore) and is curable with antibiotics, usually given by injection, with the treatment depending on the stage. Early treatment prevents the serious later complications. Follow-up blood tests confirm the infection is responding, and recent sexual partners need testing and treatment. Sex should be avoided until treatment is complete and the clinic advises it is safe. Testing is free and confidential at sexual health clinics, and is routinely offered in pregnancy to protect the baby. Condoms reduce the risk, and regular testing is advised for those at higher risk.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Syphilis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Using condoms, regular STI testing when sexually active or changing partners, and partner testing and treatment all help. Syphilis testing is routinely offered in pregnancy, protecting the baby.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Visit a sexual health clinic for a sore on the genitals, mouth or anus, an unexplained rash (especially on the palms or soles), or if a partner has syphilis, or for routine testing. Prompt testing and treatment prevent serious complications.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Syphilis: frequently asked questions
Is syphilis curable?
Yes — syphilis is curable with antibiotics, usually given by injection. Early treatment prevents the serious complications that can develop years later if it is left untreated.
What is the first sign of syphilis?
Often a single, usually painless sore where the infection entered, which can easily be missed. Because symptoms can come and go, testing is the reliable way to detect it.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Syphilis
- BASHH — Syphilis guidance
Related conditions
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