How much doxycycline should be taken for a tick bite? - briefly
A single 100 mg oral dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of a qualifying tick bite, followed by 100 mg twice daily for 21 days, is the recommended regimen. This schedule is used to prevent Lyme disease transmission.
How much doxycycline should be taken for a tick bite? - in detail
Doxycycline is the preferred antimicrobial for preventing Lyme disease after a tick attachment. The recommended regimen for adults is a single oral dose of 200 mg taken within 72 hours of the bite, followed by a 10‑ to 14‑day course of 100 mg once daily. For children weighing at least 15 kg, the dose is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight once daily, not to exceed 100 mg per day, for the same 10‑ to 14‑day period. If the child weighs less than 15 kg, alternative antibiotics such as amoxicillin are advised.
Key points for proper use:
- Initiate therapy no later than 72 hours after tick removal.
- Adult single‑dose prophylaxis: 200 mg oral, then 100 mg daily for 10–14 days.
- Pediatric weight‑based dosing: 4 mg/kg (maximum 100 mg) once daily for 10–14 days.
- Ensure adequate hydration; take the medication with a full glass of water to reduce esophageal irritation.
- Avoid concurrent use of antacids or iron supplements within two hours of the dose, as they decrease absorption.
Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, severe renal impairment, and pregnancy or lactation. Common adverse effects are gastrointestinal upset, photosensitivity, and, rarely, esophagitis. Patients should be advised to complete the full course even if symptoms improve, to ensure eradication of any early infection.