What dosage of amoxicillin should be taken after a tick bite? - briefly
Adults: 500 mg orally twice daily for 10 days. Children: 10 mg per kilogram of body weight (not exceeding 500 mg) twice daily for 10 days.
What dosage of amoxicillin should be taken after a tick bite? - in detail
After a bite from a tick that may transmit Lyme‑causing bacteria, amoxicillin can be used as an alternative to doxycycline when the latter is contraindicated. The regimen must be started within 72 hours of removal and only if the tick is identified as a vector, has been attached for at least 36 hours, and the exposure occurred in an endemic region.
Adults
- 500 mg taken orally every 8 hours.
- Duration: 20 days (approximately three weeks).
Children (≥1 month old)
- 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into three equal doses.
- Each individual dose must not exceed 500 mg.
- Duration: 20 days.
Renal impairment
- For patients with creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, reduce the total daily dose by 50 % and maintain the same dosing interval (every 8 hours).
Special populations
- Pregnant or lactating women: amoxicillin is considered safe; the adult dose of 500 mg q8h applies.
- Patients with a documented penicillin allergy: doxycycline or another appropriate agent should be selected instead.
Administration notes
- Take the medication with food or a glass of water to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
- Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.
- Monitor for adverse reactions such as rash, diarrhea, or signs of anaphylaxis; seek medical attention if severe reactions occur.
The outlined dosing schedule aligns with current public‑health recommendations for prophylactic therapy against early Lyme disease when amoxicillin is the chosen antimicrobial.