Overview of the Use of Doxycycline as Prophylaxis for Sexually Transmitted Infections

An Integrative Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21727/rpu.v16i1.4873

Abstract

The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PrEP-HIV) has been linked to an increase in other sexually transmitted infections due to its effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission and, consequently, adherence to condom use. Therefore, there is a need for a study to analyze the evidence of the use of Doxycycline against bacterial STIs, in order to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis as a public health policy. An integrative literature review was conducted with data from "Pubmed," "Scielo," "Virtual Health Library," and "Cochrane Trials" from the past 10 years, using the descriptors "Sexually Transmitted Disease," "Doxycycline," and "Primary Disease Prevention." In the analyzed studies, it was proven that the use of doxycycline within 24 hours after unprotected sexual activity resulted in a lower occurrence of STIs compared to those who did not perform prophylaxis. It is concluded that prophylaxis with doxycycline proved to be relevant in containing the increase in the number of cases among individuals who engage in risky behavior. However, the importance of epidemiological surveillance for the emergence of strains resistant to the proposed regimen is emphasized.

Keywords: Sexually Transmitted Disease; Doxycycline; Primary Disease Prevention

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Author Biographies

Matheus da Silva Alvarenga, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Ana Clara Farias de Negri, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)

Discente da Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Maria Clara Tardeli de Almeida, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Discente da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Nicolly da Fonseca Andrade, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Mayra da Silva Freire, Universidade de Vassouras

Discente da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Vinicius Martins de Menezes, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)

Docente da Universidade de Vassouras e Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

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Published

2025-04-30

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): Revista Pró-UniverSUS V 16 N 1

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Matheus Alvarenga, Ana Clara Farias de Negri, Maria Clara Tardeli de Almeida, Nicolly da Fonseca Andrade, Mayra da Silva Freire, Vinicius Martins de Menezes

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