What is administered to a person after a tick bite? - briefly
A single 200 mg dose of doxycycline administered within 72 hours of an Ixodes tick bite is recommended for Lyme disease prophylaxis in endemic areas. If prophylaxis is not indicated, the patient should be observed and undergo serologic testing as needed.
What is administered to a person after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment, the first clinical decision concerns the likelihood of pathogen transmission. The most common concern in temperate regions is the spirochete that causes Lyme disease; other agents include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and tick‑borne encephalitis viruses.
Prophylactic antibiotic regimen
- Drug: doxycycline 200 mg single dose.
- Administration: oral, within 72 hours of removal.
- Indications: attachment time ≥ 36 hours, tick species known to carry Borrelia, and residence in an endemic area.
- Alternatives for contraindications: amoxicillin 2 g single dose (adults) or azithromycin 1 g single dose, though efficacy data are less robust.
Tetanus protection
If the patient’s immunization status is uncertain or the bite is deep, a tetanus toxoid booster (Tdap or Td) should be given according to standard wound‑care guidelines.
Symptomatic therapy
- Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) for local itching or mild allergic reactions.
- Analgesics such as ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours for pain and inflammation.
- Topical corticosteroids may be applied to reduce localized swelling, but systemic steroids are not indicated.
Diagnostic follow‑up
- Baseline serology for Borrelia-specific IgM/IgG if prophylaxis is not administered or if symptoms develop.
- Repeat testing at 4–6 weeks for seroconversion in cases of delayed presentation.
- Additional laboratory panels (CBC, liver enzymes) when Anaplasma or Ehrlichia infection is suspected.
Patient education