Syphilis Treatment Duration: Antibiotics, Stages & Follow-Up Testing

With appropriate antibiotics (penicillin preferred), syphilis is curable. Treatment length depends on stage:

• Primary/Secondary: Single IM benzathine penicillin G dose.
• Early Latent (<1 yr): Single dose.
• Late Latent/Unknown Duration: 3 weekly doses.
• Neurosyphilis: IV penicillin 10–14 days.

Clearance Timeline: Clinical cure within weeks–months; however, serologic tests (RPR/VDRL) may remain positive for months–years (serofast reaction). Infectiousness ends after adequate treatment, but follow-up testing (6, 12, 24 months) confirms sustained response. Partners must be notified/treated.

Adherence and follow-up are essential to prevent relapse/transmission.