Open Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Oral Dose of Cefixime for the Treatment of Gonorrhea in Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE The intent of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerance of single dose oral cefixime use in the treatment of pregnant women with endocervical gonococcal carriage. METHODS A retrospective review of clinic records over a 3 year period identified patients treated with a single 400 mg dose of cefixime for gonorrhea during pregnancy. Side effects and subsequent gonococcal carriage were noted. RESULTS Pregnant women (n = 102) treated with cefixime were reviewed. A cure rate of 95.2% was found. Side effects were reported in three patients: two had nausea and vomiting and one had diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS A single 400 mg oral dose of cefixime was effective for the treatment of gonorrhea and was well tolerated by the pregnant women.