AKOSI Pharmacy

Syphilis Infection
Syphilis is a s*xually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It can affect many parts of the body if not treated early.
Science / Cause of Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium that enters the body through:
Sexual contact (vaginal, a**l, or oral s*x)
Contact with syphilis sores
From an infected pregnant mother to her baby (congenital syphilis)
Rarely through blood exposure
The bacteria spread through the bloodstream and can damage organs over time.
Symptoms of Syphilis
Syphilis develops in stages.
1. PRIMARY STAGE
Usually appears 10–90 days after infection.
Signs
A painless sore called a chancre
Commonly found on:
Ge****ls
Mouth
A**s
Swollen lymph nodes
The sore may heal on its own, but the infection remains.
Example of syphilis sore
2. SECONDARY STAGE
Occurs weeks to months later.
Symptoms
Skin rash (often on palms and soles)
Fever
Sore throat
Weight loss
Fatigue
Hair loss in patches
Mouth sores
Body pains
Secondary syphilis rash
3. LATENT STAGE
No visible symptoms
Infection stays hidden in the body
Can last for years
4. TERTIARY (Late) Syphilis
Can occur years later if untreated.
Serious complications
Brain damage
Blindness
Heart disease
Nerve damage
Paralysis
Mental problems
TARGET ORGANS AFFECTED BY SYPHILIS
Syphilis can affect many organs:
Organ/System
Possible Effects
Skin
Rashes, sores
Brain
Memory loss, stroke, confusion
Nervous system
Numbness, paralysis
Eyes
Blindness
Heart & blood vessels
Aneurysm, heart problems
Liver
Inflammation
Bones & joints
Pain and damage
Reproductive organs
Sores and infection
Baby during pregnancy
Miscarriage, deformities, death
DIAGNOSIS
Doctors diagnose syphilis using:
Blood tests (VDRL, RPR, TPHA)
Microscopic examination
Physical examination of sores
Treatment
Syphilis can be cured, especially when treated early.
Main Treatment
The most common medicine is:
Penicillin G injection
Other antibiotics may be used if a person is allergic to penicillin.
heal

Understand your signs!

Azithromycin vs Erythromycin — Why is one taken once daily and the other up to 4 times daily?

Many people become confused:

“If both are from the same antibiotic family, why is Azithromycin taken once daily while Erythromycin may be taken 3–4 times daily?”

Let’s understand the difference 👇

Same family… but not exactly the same

Both Azithromycin and Erythromycin belong to the:
Macrolide family of antibiotics.

They are used for some:
• Throat infections
• Chest infections
• Ear infections
• Certain s*xually transmitted infections
• Other bacterial infections

But despite belonging to the same family, they behave differently in the body.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin stays in the body for a shorter time.

Because of this, it usually needs to be taken multiple times daily to maintain enough drug level in the body to fight bacteria effectively.

Common schedules may be:
• 3 times daily
or
• 4 times daily

Azithromycin

Azithromycin remains in body tissues much longer.

It has a longer half-life and continues working for a longer period even after a dose is taken.

That is why it is commonly prescribed:
Once daily

and sometimes for fewer days compared to Erythromycin.

Does once daily mean “stronger”?

Not necessarily.

Many people assume:
“Once daily means stronger medicine.”

But dosing frequency depends largely on:
How long the drug stays active in the body.

Common mistakes

Some people:
- Stop antibiotics once they feel better
- Use leftover antibiotics
- Share antibiotics with friends
- Assume all antibiotics are taken the same way

Wrong use can increase antibiotic resistance.

Another difference

Erythromycin is more likely to cause:
~ Stomach discomfort
~Nausea
~Diarrhea

in some people compared to Azithromycin.

Simple message

• Azithromycin and Erythromycin belong to the same antibiotic family
• Azithromycin stays longer in the body, so it is often taken once daily
• Erythromycin leaves the body faster, so more frequent dosing is needed

Same family does NOT always mean same dosing schedule.

— AKOSI health 💊

AKOSI Pharmacy selling of human medicines, Located along marble street, Opposite Janagale hardware,Lodwar