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Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis

University of Washington · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is a Tetracycline antibiotic Small molecule drug developed by University of Washington. It is currently FDA-approved for Post-exposure prophylaxis for anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), Post-exposure prophylaxis for other susceptible bacterial pathogens. Also known as: doxyPEP.

Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing pathogenic bacteria from multiplying after potential exposure.

Doxycycline is used as post-exposure prophylaxis, as indicated by ClinicalTrials.gov in the "Doxy-PEP: Dose-Ranging Study of Persons Receiving Doxycycline" study. As a small molecule, doxycycline works through its mechanism of action, which is not specified in the provided facts, but is documented in ChEMBL.

At a glance

Generic nameDoxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis
Also known asdoxyPEP
SponsorUniversity of Washington
Drug classTetracycline antibiotic
TargetBacterial 30S ribosomal subunit
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, making it effective as post-exposure prophylaxis against susceptible organisms. When used prophylactically after potential exposure to pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) or other bacteria, it prevents infection establishment by suppressing bacterial growth before clinical disease develops. The drug is bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacterial replication rather than directly killing the organisms.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis

What is Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is a Tetracycline antibiotic drug developed by University of Washington, indicated for Post-exposure prophylaxis for anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), Post-exposure prophylaxis for other susceptible bacterial pathogens.

How does Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis work?

Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing pathogenic bacteria from multiplying after potential exposure.

What is Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis used for?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is indicated for Post-exposure prophylaxis for anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), Post-exposure prophylaxis for other susceptible bacterial pathogens.

Who makes Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is developed and marketed by University of Washington (see full University of Washington pipeline at /company/university-of-washington).

Is Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis also known as anything else?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is also known as doxyPEP.

What drug class is Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis in?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis belongs to the Tetracycline antibiotic class. See all Tetracycline antibiotic drugs at /class/tetracycline-antibiotic.

What development phase is Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis in?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis?

Common side effects of Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis include Photosensitivity, Nausea and vomiting, Esophageal irritation, Diarrhea, Vaginal yeast infection, Headache.

What does Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis target?

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis targets Bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and is a Tetracycline antibiotic.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing