What is the drug of choice for treating syphilis?

Penicillin is the drug of choice for treating syphilis due to its effectiveness in eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacteria, which is responsible for the infection. This antibiotic has been the cornerstone of syphilis treatment for many years, supported by extensive clinical evidence demonstrating its efficacy in curing all stages of syphilis, including primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary forms.

A single intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G is typically used for early stages of the disease, while longer treatment regimens may be prescribed for more advanced or complicated cases. The rationale behind using penicillin lies in its ability to effectively penetrate the tissues where the bacteria reside, ensuring complete resolution of infection.

In contrast, other antibiotics like doxycycline, azithromycin, and tetracycline may not be as effective in treating syphilis. Although they may have some utility in certain cases or for patients with penicillin allergies, they are not considered the first-line therapy due to concerns over efficacy and the potential for resistance. This highlights the importance of penicillin not only as a historical treatment but as the most reliable drug for managing syphilis effectively.