Talampicillin and probenecid compared with ampicillin and probenecid for the treatment of gonococcal urethritis in men.

Two hundred and ten men suffering from uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis were treated with one of two treatment schedules. Of 109 patients treated with 3 g ampicillin and 2 g probenecid (group A) there were two recurrences in the first week after treatment and none in the second week. Of 101 patients treated with 1.5 g talampicillin and 2 g probenecid (group B), there were three recurrences in the first week and none in the second week. Both antibiotics were well tolerated, but one patient vomited two hours after taking talampicillin. The sensitivity pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to penicillin at The London Hospital has shown an increase in the proportion of more sensitive strains during the last three years. Talampicillin given in a single dose with probenecid is satisfactory in the treatment of acute gonococcal urethritis but, apart from the smaller dosage, it does not offer any advantage over ampicillin with probenecid.