How should Unidox Solutab be administered to a child after a tick bite? - briefly
Give a single oral dose of Unidox Solutab at 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight (not exceeding 200 mg), taken with water as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the tick bite. Verify the child has no contraindications to doxycycline and observe for possible gastrointestinal irritation.
How should Unidox Solutab be administered to a child after a tick bite? - in detail
Unidox Solutab is a doxycycline formulation intended for oral use in children who have been exposed to tick‑borne pathogens. The medication must be given according to weight‑based dosing, with strict adherence to timing and preparation guidelines.
Dosage determination
- Measure the child’s weight in kilograms.
- Prescribe 4 mg of doxycycline per kilogram of body weight per day.
- Do not exceed a total daily dose of 200 mg.
- Divide the total daily amount into two equal doses, administered every 12 hours.
Preparation of the suspension
- Reconstitute each Unidox Solutab sachet with 5 mL of water as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Shake the vial vigorously for at least 30 seconds until the solution is uniform.
- Verify the concentration: each milliliter contains the amount of doxycycline calculated for the prescribed dose.
Administration procedure
- Use an oral syringe or calibrated measuring device to deliver the exact volume required for each dose.
- Give the dose on an empty stomach; if gastrointestinal upset occurs, a small amount of food may be offered, but do not exceed 30 minutes before or after dosing.
- Ensure the child swallows the entire suspension; do not allow spitting or chewing.
Monitoring and safety
- Observe for signs of esophageal irritation; advise the child to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after each dose.
- Record any adverse reactions such as rash, vomiting, or photosensitivity.
- If diarrhea or severe abdominal pain develops, discontinue the medication and seek medical evaluation.
Duration of therapy
- Continue treatment for a minimum of 10 days, extending to 14 days if clinical guidelines for the specific tick‑borne disease (e.g., Lyme disease) recommend a longer course.
Contraindications and precautions
- Do not administer to children under 8 years of age unless the benefit outweighs the risk, as per pediatric dosing recommendations.
- Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines.
- Counsel caregivers to protect the child’s skin from prolonged sunlight exposure during therapy, using sunscreen and protective clothing.
Follow‑up
- Schedule a clinical review 48 hours after treatment initiation to assess response and tolerance.
- Perform serologic testing for tick‑borne infections if symptoms persist or worsen after the full course.
Adhering to these steps ensures effective prophylactic or therapeutic use of Unidox Solutab in pediatric patients after tick exposure.