Syphilis and DoxyPEP

Syphilis and DoxyPEP – update 2 April 2025: If you’re at an increased risk of getting syphilis, DoxyPEP might be a helpful treatment.

DoxyPEP is an antibiotic that can help to prevent syphilis, if it’s taken within 3 days of potentially being exposed to syphilis during sex. Its effectiveness is higher when it’s taken as soon as possible.

At the moment, DoxyPEP is not endorsed by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) or the UK Health Security Agency, but this is likely to change in future. When any new guidelines or recommendations about DoxyPEP are published, we’ll update this page. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional at a sexual health service if you think you may benefit from DoxyPEP.

It’s important to know that DoxyPEP refers to the antibiotic Doxycycline. Any other type of antibiotic is unlikely to be effective at preventing syphilis. Always check with a healthcare professional before taking any type of antibiotic, to make sure it’s suitable for you.