Can You Take Amoxicillin for Chlamydia?

Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic often used to treat chest or sinus infections. So how can an antibiotic best known for treating ear, nose, and throat infections also help with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia? 

Amoxicillin can be an effective treatment option for chlamydia, but only if you’re pregnant. While there’s more than one way to tackle chlamydia, understanding when and why amoxicillin is used can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. 

Keep reading to learn more about the different treatment options, how they work, and why early testing is key.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. It’s referred to as a “silent infection” because, like many other STIs, it often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. It’s caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread via unprotected sexual contact (including oral sex). When it does cause symptoms, the most common are: 

• Unusual vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, and has a foul smell 
• Itching or burning in and around your vagina.
• A frequent need to pee
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Painful sex (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Painful periods.

Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for something like a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s tempting to brush them off — another important reason to make regular STI screening part of your routine.

If caught early, chlamydia isn’t a big deal. But if left untreated, it can cause serious health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and even infertility. That’s why regular screening (like with Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test) is crucial. Our test can detect four of the most common STIs, including chlamydia, so you can get treatment early.

The CDC recommends yearly screening for chlamydia in all sexually active women under 25 or those at higher risk. Risk factors for chlamydia include:

• Being under 25
• Being pregnant
• Having sex with a new partner
• Having multiple partners
• Having had a chlamydia infection in the past.

Chlamydia treatment

Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics — most often azithromycin or doxycycline. However, for certain people, there are alternative options. One of these is amoxicillin, which is sometimes prescribed for pregnant women to ensure both mom and baby are safe.

Treatment plans can vary depending on your medical history, allergy profile, and whether you’re pregnant. Other antibiotics like erythromycin or levofloxacin might be used if you’re allergic or can’t tolerate the standard medications.

No matter the drug, the golden rule is the same: finish the full treatment course. Then follow up with your provider to confirm the infection is gone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that all sexual partners should be treated at the same time to avoid passing the infection back and forth. 

Chlamydia is preventable and treatable, but it requires both medical care and lifestyle awareness. Alongside antibiotics, the best way to prevent STIs includes:

• Regular STI screenings
• Using barrier methods like condoms and dental dams
• Wash sex toys or cover them with a clean condom before sharing them with a sexual partner
• Open communication with partners.

Can you take amoxicillin for chlamydia? 

Amoxicillin is a versatile antibiotic that can tackle a variety of bacteria, including Chlamydia trachomatis. The CDC recognizes it as a good alternative treatment option for chlamydia in pregnant people.

When it comes to pregnancy, there are some extra considerations regarding chlamydia. If left untreated, there's a risk the infection could be passed to the baby during delivery, which might lead to issues like eye infections or pneumonia in newborns. It can also raise the chances of preterm labor or low birth weight. 

Not all antibiotics are safe to take when you’re pregnant. That’s why options like amoxicillin can be helpful during pregnancy. Healthcare providers closely monitor the situation to ensure the infection is effectively cleared while keeping the baby safe.

Typically, treatment involves taking amoxicillin three times a day for a week, with the dosage adjusted according to the patient's age and weight. It’s also commonly used for treating other infections, such as ear infections and pneumonia.

However, it’s essential to note that amoxicillin isn't the primary choice for chlamydia unless you’re pregnant, primarily due to concerns about antibiotic resistance. 

How long does it take for a chlamydial infection to go away with amoxicillin?

Azithromycin or doxycycline are always the first-line treatment for chlamydia, but when amoxicillin is prescribed, the standard regimen is typically 500 mg three times daily for seven days (though your exact dose should always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions). 

If the infection responds well, the bacteria are usually cleared within a week of starting treatment. However, you might still test positive for a short time afterward, even if the infection is gone, because bacterial DNA can linger. The CDC recommends waiting a couple of weeks after finishing treatment before retesting to confirm the infection is fully cleared.

You should also avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner(s) have completed treatment to prevent reinfection.

If symptoms persist or return after treatment, it’s important to see your provider. Sometimes the cause can be antibiotic resistance, a different infection, or reinfection from an untreated partner.

C. trachomatis and antibiotic resistance

Unfortunately, like most bacteria, it is possible that Chlamydia trachomatis can develop resistance to some antibiotics like azithromycin and doxycycline. This makes alternative options like amoxicillin more relevant in certain cases.

To keep treatments effective, healthcare providers choose regimens carefully and keep tabs on local resistance patterns. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that antibiotic-resistant chlamydia is on the rise, so responsible antibiotic use is more important than ever.

If you test positive for chlamydia through Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test with Extended PCR Panel and are eligible, you can also access treatment directly through Evvy. That means you can go from testing to treatment without unnecessary delays or extra appointments. Plus, Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can detect 10 of the most common antibiotic resistances, giving your provider the information they need to choose the most effective medication from the start — so you can feel confident you’re getting the right care for your body.

FAQ

What is the best antibiotic for chlamydia?

The CDC’s first-line treatments for chlamydia are doxycycline (usually taken for seven days) or azithromycin (a single dose). These antibiotics are chosen because they’re highly effective and work well against Chlamydia trachomatis. The “best” option depends on your health factors — such as allergies, pregnancy, and potential interactions with other medications. In certain cases, other antibiotics like amoxicillin or erythromycin may be used as alternatives. The most important part of treatment is taking the medication exactly as prescribed and ensuring all partners are treated at the same time to prevent reinfection. Regular follow-up testing can confirm that the infection has fully cleared.

What is amoxicillin 500mg used for?

Amoxicillin 500mg is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It’s often prescribed for ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and certain skin infections. In sexual health, it can be an alternative treatment for chlamydia in pregnant women when other antibiotics aren’t suitable. Amoxicillin works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to build cell walls, which leads to their destruction. Because it’s effective against many types of bacteria, it’s a versatile medication, but it should only be used when prescribed to help prevent antibiotic resistance. Always complete the full course, even if symptoms improve before you finish the medication.

Can amoxicillin be used for chlamydia?

Yes, but only if you’re pregnant. This is because doxycycline, the preferred antibiotic for most adults, is not recommended during pregnancy. Amoxicillin is generally taken for seven days, with the dosage adjusted based on the patient’s weight and age. If you’re prescribed amoxicillin for chlamydia, it’s important to take it exactly as directed and avoid sexual activity until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment. Follow-up testing after about three to four weeks is recommended to ensure the infection is fully cleared, as untreated chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive health issues.

What is the best antibiotic to treat STDs?

There’s no single “best” antibiotic for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The right choice depends on the specific infection. For example, healthcare providers will prescribe doxycycline or azithromycin to treat chlamydia, while gonorrhea often requires ceftriaxone combined with doxycycline. Syphilis is treated with penicillin, and trichomoniasis is usually treated with metronidazole or tinidazole. In some cases, multiple antibiotics or combination therapy are needed, especially with rising antibiotic resistance. The most effective approach is always to get tested so your healthcare provider can determine exactly which infection you have and which antibiotic will work best. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can detect multiple STIs and even identify common antibiotic resistances, helping your provider select the best treatment right away.