Syphilis Treatment and Care

What is the treatment for syphilis?

A single injection of long-acting Benzathine penicillin G can cure the early stages of syphilis. This includes primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis. CDC recommends three doses of long-acting Benzathine penicillin G at weekly intervals for late latent syphilis or latent syphilis of unknown duration. Treatment will cure the infection and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.

Selecting the right penicillin preparation is important to properly treat and cure syphilis. See the STI Treatment Guidelines for more information on syphilis treatment. The guidelines also include other options for those with a penicillin allergy.

People treated for syphilis should avoid sexual contact with new partners until their sores completely heal. They also should notify their sex partner(s), so they can receive testing and treatment if needed.

Treatment Guidelines and Updates

• 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines – Syphilis (July 22, 2021)
  • Syphilis During Pregnancy
  • Congenital Syphilis

Resources for Clinicians

• The Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Syphilis: An Update and Reviewpdf iconexternal icon – Clinical guidance for diagnosing and managing syphilis. This document reflects content from the 2015 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. This is a product of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Sexually Transmitted Infections and the NYC STD Prevention Training Center. (March 2019)
• Syphilis Pocket Guide for Providerspdf icon– A booklet with details on syphilis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. (November 30, 2017)
• Syphilis Self-Study Moduleexternal icon– An online learning experience that helps users learn how to manage syphilis. Free CME/CNE available. (November 1, 2017)