DoxyPEP has officially entered our shores: A miraculous pill that can help prevent STI infections if taken within a period of time?


Doxycycline itself has existed for a long time to treat STIs amongst other things, so what can something so old do to help us out in our sex life?


Read on to learn what DoxyPEP is all about!

(Correct as at 22 July 2025)

  • What is DoxyPEP?

    Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or DoxyPEP refers to the treatment of potential STI exposures from sex via the use of doxycycline.

    Doxycyline is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as acne, pneumonia, and sexually transmitted infections. It can also be used to prevent malaria.

    Prophylaxis refers to a treatment meant to prevent disease.

    The STIs are referring to bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonnorhoea and syphilis.

  • IMPORTANT

    Take only ONE dose (200mg) of DoxyPEP in a 24-hour period.

    Taking more than one dose a day can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Otherwise, it can be taken as often as every day if needed. It can be taken after food too.

    DoxyPEP can be used by anyone regardless whether they are a top, bottom, vers or side as bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonnorhoea, syphilis) can be transmitted through both oral and anal sex.

  • Consider taking DoxyPEP if...

    There was a bacterial STI contracted in the past 12 months

    or

    The sex is going to increase the chances of exposure to STIs (e.g. condomless sex in both oral and anal)

    or

    Condom use during sex is low or none at all

  • How to take DoxyPEP

    Doxycyline is an oral pill FYI

    Current guidelines recommend a 200mg dose (2 pills) of doxycyline after a sexual encounter, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours.

    Step 1

    Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water (~240ml).

    Step 2

    Stay upright sitting or standing) afterward for 30minute to 1 hour.

    This is to minimise the chances of gastrointestinal irritation or ulcers in the esophagus

    Done!

  • Adverse effects

    Can everyone take DoxyPEP?

    As with any medication, an allergy to doxycycline exists.

    You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline, minocycline, tetracycline, or tigecycline.

    Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting on DoxyPEP.

    More information here

  • What to avoid when taking DoxyPEP

    Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

    Any other antibiotics should not be taken with doxycyline unless approved by your doctor.

    Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds as this medicine can make you more easily sunburned. If you need to be outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

For more information, refer to these links:

DoxyPEP - aidsmap Doxycycline information - Drugs.com Doxycycline information - HealthHub Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) - DSC Clinic