What is the first-line treatment for syphilis?

Benzathine penicillin is considered the first-line treatment for syphilis, particularly for all stages of the disease, including primary, secondary, and latent syphilis. This long-acting form of penicillin is highly effective against the Treponema pallidum bacteria, which causes syphilis, and it helps resolve the infection effectively.

In the context of treating syphilis, benzathine penicillin is preferred due to its strong efficacy, safety profile, and the fact that it can be administered as a single intramuscular injection in many cases. This convenience is important for both patient adherence to treatment and for public health measures aimed at controlling the spread of syphilis.

Other options, such as ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and doxycycline, may have some use in treating certain types of infections or in patients with specific penicillin allergies. However, they do not match the effectiveness or recommended guidelines set forth for treating syphilis. As a result, they are not regarded as first-line treatments for this particular infection.