A drug to treat the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia is being made available over the counter for the first time.

Men and women aged 16 and over will be able to get the antibiotic if they have tested positive for the infection and have no symptoms.

Their partners will also be able to get the drug, which will be called Clamelle, and it should hit shelves later this year.

According to the FPA - formerly the Family Planning Association - more and more men and women are getting tested for chlamydia at their pharmacy. Some are given the test by the pharmacist to do at home.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and young people account for two thirds of all new cases.

It is known as the "silent infection", as sufferers often have no symptoms, but if left untreated it can cause infertility.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today given approval for Clamelle.

Dr June Raine, director of vigilance and risk management of medicines at the MHRA, said: "Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK.

"Up to 70 per cent of people who have chlamydia have no symptoms and could therefore remain undiagnosed.

"This means that they are at huge risk of serious long-term health complications, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

"Today's move means that symptom-free people diagnosed with chlamydia and their partner will be able to get convenient effective treatment from their local pharmacy."

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