Prophylaxis

Many experts recommend that sexually assaulted adults and adolescents be given treatment to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including therapy for gonorrhea (cefixime, ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone), chlamydial infection (azithromycin or doxycycline) and bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (metronidazole or tinidazole). Prophylaxis is not  routinely used for children. If not previously immunized, vaccination against hepatitis B  (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB) should be initiated. Some experts also recommend post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection such as zidovudine (Retrovir) plus lamivudine (Epivir) with or without a protease inhibitor in high risk situations such as multiple assailants or an assailant believed to be HIV-infected; treatment should be started within 72 hours.