How many doxycycline tablets should be taken for a tick bite? - briefly
For prophylaxis after a tick bite, the standard regimen is 100 mg of doxycycline taken twice daily for 21 days. This dosage is recommended by most public‑health guidelines for preventing Lyme disease in endemic regions.
How many doxycycline tablets should be taken for a tick bite? - in detail
The standard prophylactic regimen after a confirmed tick attachment is a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline taken as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours of removal. This dose applies to adults and children weighing at least 15 kg (33 lb). For younger patients, the recommended amount is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, rounded to the nearest whole tablet, and administered as a single dose.
If early signs of Lyme disease develop, treatment shifts to a therapeutic course: 100 mg taken twice daily for 10–14 days. Pediatric dosing for the therapeutic course is 4 mg/kg twice daily, not exceeding 200 mg per dose.
Key points for proper use:
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Single‑dose prophylaxis
• 200 mg oral tablet for individuals ≥15 kg.
• 4 mg/kg for children <15 kg, rounded to the nearest tablet.
• Must be taken within 72 hours of tick removal. -
Therapeutic regimen (when infection suspected)
• 100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days (adults).
• 4 mg/kg twice daily for children, max 200 mg per dose. -
Contraindications and precautions
• Pregnant or nursing women: doxycycline is generally avoided.
• Known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines.
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment may require dose adjustment. -
Adverse effects to monitor
• Gastrointestinal upset, photosensitivity, esophageal irritation.
• Rare: intracranial hypertension, severe allergic reactions.
Patients should consult a healthcare professional if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours, if the bite occurred in an area with high incidence of Lyme disease, or if they have underlying conditions that could affect drug safety. Immediate medical evaluation is warranted for rash, fever, joint pain, or neurological symptoms emerging after a bite.