How to treat Lyme disease caused by ticks? - briefly
Treat the infection with a 2‑ to 4‑week antibiotic regimen—typically doxycycline, or amoxicillin/cefuroxime if doxycycline is contraindicated—and follow up to confirm symptom resolution.
How to treat Lyme disease caused by ticks? - in detail
Lyme disease transmitted by Ixodes ticks requires prompt antimicrobial therapy to prevent chronic complications. The standard regimen begins with oral doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days, depending on disease stage and symptom severity. For patients unable to tolerate doxycycline—due to allergy, pregnancy, or age under eight years—alternative agents include amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily or cefuroxime axetil 500 mg twice daily for the same duration.
When neurologic involvement such as meningitis, cranial nerve palsy, or radiculopathy is evident, intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g once daily for 14–28 days is recommended. Severe cardiac manifestations (e.g., atrioventricular block) also merit IV ceftriaxone, with continuous cardiac monitoring until conduction normalizes.
Adjunctive measures:
- Anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., ibuprofen) for arthritic pain.
- Physical therapy to restore joint function after acute inflammation subsides.
- Regular serologic testing is not required after treatment completion; clinical assessment determines cure.
Follow‑up evaluation occurs 2–4 weeks post‑therapy to verify resolution of symptoms. Persistent fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, or neurocognitive deficits should prompt reassessment for possible co‑infection (e.g., Babesia, Anaplasma) and consideration of extended antibiotic courses under specialist supervision.
Prevention remains critical: prompt removal of attached ticks within 24 hours, use of EPA‑registered repellents, and wearing protective clothing in endemic areas reduce infection risk.