How should doxycycline be taken for a tick bite? - briefly
Take doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice daily for 14 days, beginning promptly after the bite. If the tablet cannot be swallowed, chew it or use the prescribed liquid formulation.
How should doxycycline be taken for a tick bite? - in detail
Doxycycline should be started as soon as possible after a tick bite that carries a risk of Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections. The recommended adult regimen is 100 mg taken orally once daily for 10–14 days. For children weighing at least 45 kg, the same dose applies; younger children receive 2.2 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses, only when the benefit outweighs the risk of tooth discoloration.
The tablet must be swallowed with a full glass of water. Taking the medication on an empty stomach—at least one hour before or two hours after meals—enhances absorption. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, a small amount of food may be consumed, but avoid high‑calcium products (milk, cheese) within four hours of dosing because they reduce bioavailability.
Do not crush or chew the tablets; the coating protects the drug from stomach acid and ensures proper release in the intestine. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within a few hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate.
Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines and pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should consult a physician before use. Hepatic or renal impairment may require dose adjustment; a healthcare provider will determine the appropriate modification.
Potential adverse effects are mild and self‑limiting: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and photosensitivity. Patients should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing during daylight exposure. Severe reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or intracranial hypertension are rare; immediate medical attention is required if these occur.
Monitoring parameters are limited; routine laboratory tests are unnecessary for short courses. If therapy extends beyond two weeks, liver function tests may be considered.
In summary, the protocol consists of a prompt 100 mg oral dose daily, taken on an empty stomach, continued for 10–14 days, with attention to food interactions, contraindications, and side‑effect management.