What is the preferred treatment for a breastfeeding adolescent diagnosed with gonorrhea?

The preferred treatment for a breastfeeding adolescent diagnosed with gonorrhea is ceftriaxone 250 mg. This choice aligns with current clinical guidelines recommending the use of ceftriaxone as the appropriate and effective first-line therapy for gonococcal infections.

Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea. It is given as an intramuscular injection, ensuring high levels of the antibiotic quickly reach systemic circulation to effectively clear the infection. Importantly, ceftriaxone is considered safe for use in breastfeeding individuals, as it does not pose significant risks to the nursing infant.

In contrast, other treatments, such as azithromycin, are not preferred as monotherapy given the increasing rates of antibiotic resistance encountered with gonorrhea. Additionally, the amoxicillin option lacks the necessary efficacy against this specific infection. Therefore, ceftriaxone 250 mg is the most appropriate and effective choice for treating gonorrhea in a breastfeeding adolescent.