What is the treatment of choice for pharyngeal gonococcal infections?

The treatment of choice for pharyngeal gonococcal infections is a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the organism that causes gonorrhea. The recommended dosage of 250 mg intramuscularly is effective in treating gonococcal infections, and it allows for a rapid resolution of the infection.

Additionally, the inclusion of azithromycin, typically administered at a dose of 1 gram orally, is important because it helps address potential co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, as co-infection with gonorrhea is common. The dual therapy also reduces the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. This combination therapy is supported by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is considered the gold standard especially in the face of rising resistance patterns.

Other treatment options presented lack the specific coverage, effectiveness, or recommended protocols for addressing pharyngeal gonococcal infections. Therefore, the dual approach of ceftriaxone and azithromycin is well-supported by clinical evidence and guidelines, making it the optimal choice for this condition.