For a 23 old pregnant female having severe sensitivity to amoxicillin, drug used to treat gonorrhoea in a single dose should be
**Core Concept**
The treatment of gonorrhea in pregnant women requires careful consideration of the patient's sensitivity to certain antibiotics. In this scenario, the patient has a severe sensitivity to amoxicillin, which limits treatment options.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a single-dose regimen of ceftriaxone for the treatment of gonorrhea in pregnant women. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. Unlike amoxicillin, ceftriaxone has a different mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting cell wall synthesis through the binding of the antibiotic to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This action is distinct from amoxicillin's mechanism, which involves the inhibition of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is often used in combination with ceftriaxone for the treatment of gonorrhea. However, it is not the preferred single-dose treatment for pregnant women due to concerns about resistance and potential side effects.
* **Option B:** Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of inhibiting bone growth and causing tooth discoloration in the fetus.
* **Option D:** Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is not recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea in pregnant women due to the risk of cartilage damage to the developing fetus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In pregnant women with a history of sensitivity to penicillin, ceftriaxone is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of gonorrhea. Always verify the patient's allergy history before prescribing any medication.
**Correct Answer: C. Ceftriaxone**