What is Doxycycline prescribed for?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that’s used to treat infections in adults including but not limited to: chest and dental infections. skin infections and conditions like rosacea sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
This drug is called Doxycycline (“docs-ee-sigh-kleen”) is an antibacterial medication that can fight against many types of bacteria and fight off infections.
More specifically, Doxy PEP, short for doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, is a preventive strategy used to reduce the risk of getting certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after engaging in sexual activity.
It involves taking a specific dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of having sexual intercourse to help lower the chances of getting infections like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
This approach has been shown to be effective in decreasing the likelihood of contracting these STIs.
How does it work?
Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) works by using the antibiotic doxycycline to help prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after potential exposure.
When taken within a specific time frame after having sexual intercourse, usually within 72 hours, doxycycline can stop the growth of bacteria that cause STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
By taking doxy PEP as directed, people can lower the chance of getting these infections. It’s important to remember that doxy PEP isn’t a replacement for safe sex practices but can be an extra way to protect against STIs.
Talking to a healthcare provider is important to decide if using doxy PEP is right for you based on your situation and possible exposure risks.
What did the research discover?
Doxy PEP, or doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, has shown significant effectiveness in reducing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in various studies.
In the French IPERGAY Study, doxy PEP led to a 70% reduction in chlamydia risk and a 73% reduction in syphilis risk among HIV-negative men who have intimate relationships with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW).
A clinical trial in San Francisco and Seattle revealed reductions of 88% in chlamydia, 55% in gonorrhea, and 57% in syphilis incidence among individuals using doxy PEP within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.
The French ANRS DOXYVAC study reported a 51% decrease in gonorrhea, an 89% decrease in chlamydia, and a 79% decrease in syphilis cases with doxy PEP.
However, some adverse effects like gastrointestinal issues were noted, with 53% reporting such effects in the IPERGAY study.
The DoxyPEP study reported no serious adverse events were attributed to the medication.
In the DOXYVAC study, three participants discontinued doxy PEP due to gastrointestinal (referring to digestive system like the stomach and intestines) adverse events or fear of adverse events.
These findings highlight the potential benefits of doxy PEP in reducing STI transmission, especially in high-risk populations, while emphasizing the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen for optimal effectiveness.
What are some of the side effects?
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Mild diarrhea
- Skin rash or itching
- darkening of the skin
- Vaginal itching or discharge
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
The recommended dosage of doxy PEP is 200mg, and it should be taken orally with a full glass of water.
Source:
- Bachmann LH. CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, United States, 2024 [Internet]. U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC). 2024 [cited 2024 Jun 21]
- Puckey M. Doxycycline [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2024 [cited 2024 Jun 21]. https://www.pharmacist.com/Pharmacy-News/cdc-recommends-doxy-pep-for-sti-prevention
