Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (Septrin) in the treatment of rectal gonorrhoea.

The recent increase in some parts of London of syphilis acquired homosexually (Lancet, 1964; Brit. med. J7., 1967) has indicated that a drug of nontreponemicidal properties is to be preferred in the treatment of gonococcal proctitis in homosexual men. Septrin was considered as a potentially useful remedy in these circumstances. Though taken orally and so subject to error or misuse, it needs be taken only twice daily for a short time. Men with rectal gonorrhoea are among some of the most conscientious patients at the clinic, if handled sympathetically from the start; in the West and South-west districts of London they are mostly aware of the dangers of venereal infection and so far as can be judged are to be trusted with oral therapy.