How should a child take doxycycline after a tick bite? - briefly
Give doxycycline at 2.2 mg per kilogram of the child’s weight (up to 44 mg) once daily, beginning promptly after the bite and continuing for 10–21 days. Administer with a full glass of water and a light meal to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
How should a child take doxycycline after a tick bite? - in detail
When a child has been bitten by a tick and prophylactic doxycycline is indicated, the medication must be given precisely to achieve effective prevention of Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections.
The recommended regimen for children weighing at least 15 kg (33 lb) is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, once daily, for a total of 10 days. For children under 15 kg, the dose is 2 mg per kilogram, also once daily for 10 days. The exact amount is calculated by multiplying the child’s weight by the appropriate factor and rounding to the nearest whole tablet or to a measured liquid dose.
Administration guidelines:
- Give the dose with a full glass of water (or an equivalent amount of milk for younger children) to aid swallowing.
- Doxycycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, because food—especially dairy products—reduces absorption.
- If the child experiences stomach upset, a small amount of food may be offered, but the dose must still be spaced from dairy and calcium‑rich foods.
- Do not crush or chew tablets that are not scored; use the liquid formulation for infants and toddlers who cannot swallow pills.
- Maintain a consistent time each day to improve adherence.
Potential adverse effects and monitoring:
- Common reactions include mild nausea, vomiting, and transient photosensitivity. Encourage the child to wear protective clothing and sunscreen during outdoor exposure.
- Rarely, severe allergic reactions or esophageal irritation may occur. If vomiting persists or an ulcer‑like sore develops in the mouth or throat, discontinue the drug and seek medical attention.
- Monitor liver function in children with pre‑existing hepatic disease; dosage adjustment may be required.
Missed dose protocol:
- If a dose is forgotten and it is less than 12 hours overdue, administer it as soon as remembered, then continue with the regular schedule.
- If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the next scheduled dose; do not double‑dose.
Contraindications and precautions:
- Avoid doxycycline in children younger than eight weeks or in those with a known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines.
- Do not combine with antacids, calcium supplements, iron tablets, or multivitamins containing minerals that bind doxycycline; separate these by at least two hours.
- Counsel caregivers that the medication may cause temporary discoloration of teeth in very young children; the effect is usually reversible after treatment ends.
Completion of the full 10‑day course is essential even if symptoms do not appear. Documentation of the tick bite, dose administered, and any adverse reactions should be recorded in the child’s medical chart for future reference.