Syphilis medication

Does this medication AMOX/CLAV K500-125MG TABLET BY SANDO effective treat for people who have syphilis? Thank you.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The usual trade name is Augmentin.  It is not recommended for syphilis, and there are no data to know one way or the other whether it would be effective.  If taken in large enough doses for a long enough period of time, it probably would work, but nobody knows for sure.  Don't take chances.  If you think you have syphilis or were exposed, get a provider's advice about proper treatment (a penicillin shot).

HHH, MD

[worrieguy]

Hello DR.HHH, If I take this medication ( Only 4 tablet) how long do I need to wait before I can take a RPR test for syphilis? Do taking this medication and have via week of taking RPR Syphilis can have false negative?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If you were taking that drug when exposed, or within 1-2 weeks after exposure, it would absolutely prevent catching syphilis and there is no need for testing.

[worrieguy]

I have taking this medication 8 month after exposure. I just want to  have RPR test. Do you know how long do i need to wait if I have taking this medication for RPR test to be accurate and does not give false negative because of taking this medication.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There is no such thing as a false negatiive RPR test.  Go ahead and get tested.  If negative, you will know for sure you don't have active syphilis.  You could have been infected sometime in the past, but been cured--but definintely no active disease.  Also, it takes several months for the test to become negative after treatment, so if you started the Augmentin recently, it definitely will make no difference.

After 3 years on this forum with maybe 5 questions on RPR testing, all of a sudden this is the 5th one in 5 days about reliability of RPR testing.  What the heck is going on?  Some website or news story??

[worrieguy]

NO, its not reliability of RPR testing. I am worry is that I taking AMOX/CLAV K500-125MG TABLET BY SANDO If I go taking RPR test right now is going to gave me false negative since I have taking this medication before. To be safe I just want to know when I stop this medication today and how long do I need to wait in order to get RPR to be accurate. Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No need to shout; I understood you exactly.  You do not need to wait at all.

Last comment.

[worrieguy]

I am going to take the RPR test tomorrow since you said I didnt not need to wait. I will have the result on Friday. I keept you posted and hope you can explain the result to me in Friday. Thanks Dr.HHH I preciate your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You needn't bother to post the result.  It will be negative and no explaining will be necessary.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]