Alternative drugs for the treatment of gonococcal infections: old and new.

Introduction: The rise in antibiotic resistance to N. gonorrhoeae poses a substantial threat to effective gonorrhea treatment. Historical progression of resistance from sulfonamides to the more recent declines in efficacy of fluoroquinolones and susceptibilities of ceftriaxone highlight the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches, necessitating the examination of alternative and new antibiotics.

Areas covered: This review examines the potential of repurposing older antibiotics for gonorrhea treatment with a focus on their efficacy and limitations. These include aztreonam, ertapenem, and fosfomycin. New oral drugs zoliflodacin and gepotidacin are in late clinical development, but there are concerns regarding their effectiveness for extragenital infections and the development of resistance.

Expert opinion: While ceftriaxone remains the best treatment for gonorrhea across all anatomic sites, resistance may eventually limit its use. Among older antibiotics, ertapenem shows the most potential as an alternative but shares the same administrative drawbacks as ceftriaxone. New oral drugs zoliflodacin and gepotidacin initially appeared promising, but their efficacy for pharyngeal infections and potential for resistance development are concerning. Phase 3 trial results have not been made available except through press releases, which perpetuates concerns. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of antibiotics will be key in optimizing future treatment recommendations.