For what types of drugs may pharmacists follow expedited partner therapy guidelines?

Pharmacists can follow expedited partner therapy guidelines specifically for antibiotics (ABX) used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Expedited partner therapy allows for the treatment of the sexual partners of patients diagnosed with certain STDs without the partners needing to be examined by a healthcare provider. This is particularly helpful in preventing reinfection and promoting public health by addressing the transmission of STDs effectively.

The rationale for this approach is that it reduces barriers to treatment for partners who may not seek care on their own and helps to contain the spread of infections. The guidelines typically emphasize the use of specific antibiotics that are proven effective against common STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, enabling pharmacists to dispense these medications based on the diagnosis made by the main patient.

Other types of medications listed do not fall under expedited partner therapy guidelines. For instance, antivirals are not typically used in this context, nor are vaccines, which generally require individual assessment and counseling. Surgical medications do not relate to the management of STDs and are therefore not relevant to these guidelines. Thus, focusing on antibiotics for STDs is crucial for understanding the role of pharmacists in enhancing public health through expedited partner therapy.