persistent or recurrent NGU (non - gonococcal urethritis)

Last edited 09/2018

Is defined as persistent or recurrent symptomatic urethritis occurring 30-90 days following treatment of acute NGU. It is seen in around 10%-20% of patients.

Aetilogy is most likely to be multifactorial but M. genitalium (found in 20%-40%) and U. urealyticum have been implicated.

Before starting treatment

  • reinfection should be ruled out and make certain that the patient has taken the full course of therapy initially prescribed
  • definite symptoms of urethritis (or physical signs on examination) should be present

In patients with symptoms or obvious discharge recommended regimens include:

  • 1st line
      • Azithromycin 500mg stat then 250mg for the next 4 days plus Metronidazole 400 mg twice daily for 5 days
    • or
      • Erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 3 weeks plus Metronidazole 400mg twice daily for 5 days
  • 2nd line
      • Moxifloxacin 400mg orally once daily for 10 days plus Metronidazole 400mg twice daily for 5 days (1)

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