prophylactic

pharmacology

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A prophylactic is something that prevents disease or unwanted outcomes. In pharmacology, this can refer to a device, like a condom, used to prevent sexually transmitted infections or conception. It also encompasses medications taken to prevent illness.1

Disease Prevention

Preventing disease can involve avoiding contact with the source of infection or making the host less susceptible through artificial immunity. For example, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken to lower the risk of HIV infection. Prophylactic immunization, through vaccines, stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cells that fight off potential infections before they occur. These methods are crucial in reducing suffering and death from various diseases.234

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antimicrobial agent
Other antimicrobials
Prophylactics also are agents used to prevent infections and diseases. Vaccination is the administration of harmless amounts of disease-causing microorganisms into animals, including humans, to prevent diseases. (See vaccine.) Sterile filtration usually removes large microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and their spores) from heat-sensitive solutions,
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Prophylactics also are agents used to prevent infections and diseases. Vaccination is the administration of harmless amounts of disease-causing microorganisms into animals, including humans, to prevent diseases. (See vaccine.) Sterile filtration usually removes large microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and their spores) from heat-sensitive solutions,
Read More