What is the preferred drug for treatment of syphilis in a pregnant adolescent?

What is the preferred drug for treatment of syphilis in a pregnant adolescent?

• A. Doxycycline
• B. Penicillin G
• C. Tetracycline
• D. Erythromycin

Answer: (B)

Penicillin G is the drug of choice because it reliably prevents mother-to-child transmission of syphilis by delivering effective concentrations to the fetus as well as the mother. In pregnancy, penicillin is proven safe and effective, and benzathine penicillin G is the standard regimen to treat syphilis and protect the developing fetus. If the patient has a penicillin allergy, desensitization is recommended since there are no proven alternative regimens that safely and effectively prevent congenital syphilis. Doxycycline and tetracycline are avoided in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects on fetal teeth and bones, and erythromycin does not provide reliable fetal protection, making them unsuitable substitutes.

Penicillin G is the drug of choice because it reliably prevents mother-to-child transmission of syphilis by delivering effective concentrations to the fetus as well as the mother. In pregnancy, penicillin is proven safe and effective, and benzathine penicillin G is the standard regimen to treat syphilis and protect the developing fetus. If the patient has a penicillin allergy, desensitization is recommended since there are no proven alternative regimens that safely and effectively prevent congenital syphilis. Doxycycline and tetracycline are avoided in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects on fetal teeth and bones, and erythromycin does not provide reliable fetal protection, making them unsuitable substitutes.