How should amoxicillin be taken after a tick bite? - briefly
Take amoxicillin 500 mg by mouth every 8 hours for 7–10 days, beginning promptly after the bite and with a full glass of water. Complete the full course even if symptoms resolve.
How should amoxicillin be taken after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment, amoxicillin is prescribed to prevent infection by Borrelia burgdorferi when early Lyme disease is suspected and doxycycline is unsuitable. The medication should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the bite, to maximize prophylactic efficacy.
Dosage depends on age and weight:
- Adults: 500 mg orally every 8 hours for 20 days.
- Children ≥ 10 kg: 50 mg/kg per day divided into three doses, not exceeding 500 mg per dose, for 20 days.
- Children < 10 kg: amoxicillin is not recommended; alternative therapy should be considered.
Administration guidelines:
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Doses may be taken with or without food; consistent timing reduces missed doses.
- If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is less than 2 hours away; then skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule—do not double‑dose.
Special considerations:
- Renal impairment: reduce dose proportionally to creatinine clearance; consult a prescriber for exact adjustment.
- Allergy to penicillins: avoid amoxicillin; use cefuroxime or another appropriate agent.
- Concomitant medications: verify that no drugs causing competitive inhibition of renal excretion (e.g., probenecid) are co‑administered without adjustment.
Monitoring:
- Observe the bite site for expanding erythema, fever, or systemic symptoms; report any signs promptly.
- Document adherence; incomplete courses increase the risk of treatment failure.
If adverse reactions such as rash, gastrointestinal upset, or severe hypersensitivity occur, discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical evaluation.