Which antibiotic is recommended for treating trichomoniasis?

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the preferred antibiotic for treating trichomoniasis due to its effectiveness against the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is responsible for the infection. It functions by disrupting the DNA of the parasite, leading to its death. This antibiotic can be administered orally and is also available as a vaginal gel, providing flexibility in treatment options.

In practice, it is particularly important for healthcare providers to prescribe the correct medication for specific infections, as other antibiotics listed, such as ceftriaxone, clindamycin, and doxycycline, are not effective against Trichomonas vaginalis. Ceftriaxone is primarily used for bacterial infections, especially those caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Clindamycin is often utilized for anaerobic bacterial infections and certain types of bacterial vaginosis rather than trichomoniasis. Doxycycline is typically prescribed for various bacterial infections, including certain sexually transmitted infections, but it is not appropriate for treating trichomoniasis. Therefore, Metronidazole is the most suitable and evidence-based choice for this condition.