Tick-borne diseases are typically treated with antibiotics and here we’ll focus on Lyme disease in particular. The choice of antibiotics for Lyme disease, and the duration of treatment depend on various factors, including the stage of the disease and the patient’s health condition.
As a named care provider within the official HHS report on Access to Care Providers, we are well placed to provide further details of the 5 main antibiotics for Lyme disease. You can take advantage of our medication access service here, with a simple enrolment form.
We’ll start with a list of the 5, then we’ll get into more details.
1. Doxycycline
2. Amoxicillin
3. Cefuroxime Axetil
4. Azithromycin
5. Ceftriaxone
It’s a good idea to ensure you are first familiar with what Lyme disease is. While a list of antibiotics for Lyme disease is helpful, it may not help you understand which one might suit you best and which to consult with your doctor about.
So let’s break down the list further to provide more information.
Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of Lyme disease by targeting and eliminating the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi.
Early-stage Lyme disease is commonly treated with oral antibiotics like doxycycline and amoxicillin, both of which are generally well-tolerated and highly effective.
For disseminated Lyme disease or cases with nervous system involvement, intravenous antibiotics like ceftriaxone and cefuroxime may be necessary, though they carry a higher risk of adverse reactions.
In some cases, azithromycin may be used in combination with other antibiotics to target intracellular forms of the bacteria. Discover more about the symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
Antibiotics for Lyme Disease – Quick reference table
Here’s a roundup table outlining the dosage and duration of the information.
| Antibiotic | Dosage | Duration | Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | |||
| Doxycycline | 100 mg twice daily | 10-21 days, this may be extended | Orally, with water, with or without food |
| Amoxicillin | Based on severity | 14-21 days | Orally, in tablet or liquid form |
| Cefuroxime Axetil | Based on severity | 14 to 21 days | Orally, with water, with or without food |
| Azithromycin | Based on severity | Typically a single daily dose | Orally |
| Ceftriaxone | Based on severity | 14 to 28 days | intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection |
Severity will often be based on which stage of Lyme disease you are currently experiencing, so be sure to check out more information below, or read our article on the stages of Lyme disease.
Top 5 Antibiotics for Lyme Disease
In looking at the antibiotics for Lyme disease in more detail, let’s start with Doxycycline…
1. Doxycycline
The first, Doxycycline (of which one type is Vibramycin) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics and is effective in combating the infection in its early stages.
Other types your doctor might consider are Oraces or Alodox.
Mechanism of action:
Doxycycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and replicating.
Effectiveness:
Doxycycline is highly effective against Lyme disease, particularly during the early stages of infection when the bacteria are actively multiplying.
Administration:
It is usually taken orally with a full glass of water, with or without food, but should not be taken with dairy products or antacids, as they can reduce its absorption.
Dosage:
The typical adult dosage is 100 mg twice daily for 10-21 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the physician’s recommendation.
Duration:
Treatment duration is typically 10-21 days but may be extended in certain cases or if the infection has progressed.
Considerations:
Doxycycline is generally not recommended for pregnant women and children under 8 years old due to potential side effects on bone and teeth development. Find out more about exercising while taking antibiotics here.
Interactions:
Doxycycline may interact with certain medications, so it’s crucial to inform the doctor about any other drugs being taken.
Always follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria. For any concerns or side effects, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
You could obtain antibiotics for Lyme disease, and any other medication for just $60.00 per medication per month – via our medication access service. Simply enroll here for more help.
2. Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic occasionally used to treat early-stage Lyme disease, particularly in cases where doxycycline or ceftriaxone cannot be used. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics.
Mechanism of action:
Amoxicillin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the destruction of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Effectiveness:
Amoxicillin is effective against Lyme disease, especially during its early stages when the bacteria are actively replicating.
Administration:
Amoxicillin is typically taken orally and can be prescribed in tablet or liquid form.
Dosage:
The dosage and treatment duration is determined by the severity of the infection and the healthcare provider’s recommendation. When obtaining your prescription, understand if a pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics here.
Duration:
Treatment duration with amoxicillin is usually 14 to 21 days.
Considerations:
Amoxicillin may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to penicillin or certain medical conditions. Caution is advised in such cases.
Interactions:
Amoxicillin may interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform the healthcare provider about any other drugs being taken.
Always adhere to the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria and prevent potential complications. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.
3. Cefuroxime Axetil
Cefuroxime Axetil is an antibiotic commonly used to treat Lyme disease, particularly in cases where doxycycline or amoxicillin are not suitable. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.
Mechanism of action:
Cefuroxime Axetil works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the destruction of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Effectiveness:
Cefuroxime Axetil is effective against Lyme disease, especially during its early stages when the bacteria are actively multiplying.
Administration:
Cefuroxime Axetil is usually taken orally, either with or without food.
Dosage:
The dosage and treatment duration depend on the severity of the infection and the healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Duration:
Treatment duration with cefuroxime axetil typically ranges from 14 to 21 days.
Considerations:
Cefuroxime axetil may not be suitable for individuals with certain allergies or sensitivities to cephalosporin antibiotics. Caution is advised in such cases.
Interactions:
Cefuroxime axetil may interact with other medications, so it’s crucial to inform the healthcare provider about any other drugs being taken.
Adhere to the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment to effectively treat Lyme disease and prevent complications. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.
4. Azithromycin
Azithromycin is not a first-line treatment for Lyme disease, and its use is generally not recommended due to limited evidence of its effectiveness against Borrelia burgdorferi. The preferred antibiotics for Lyme disease treatment are doxycycline, amoxicillin, or ceftriaxone, depending on the stage and severity of the infection. Azithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics and works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Effectiveness:
While azithromycin has shown efficacy against other bacterial infections, its effectiveness in treating Lyme disease is uncertain and may not reliably eliminate the bacteria.
Administration:
Azithromycin is typically taken orally, often in a single daily dose.
Dosage:
The dosage and treatment duration, if used for Lyme disease, would be determined by the healthcare provider based on the specific circumstances.
Considerations:
Due to limited data on its efficacy against Lyme disease, azithromycin is not the first choice for treatment, and its use should be decided carefully by a qualified healthcare professional.
Interactions:
Azithromycin may interact with other medications, so it’s important to inform the healthcare provider about any other drugs being taken.
5. Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic occasionally used to treat Lyme disease, particularly when neurological complications are present or in cases where doxycycline is not an option. It is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
Mechanism of action:
Ceftriaxone works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the death of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Effectiveness:
Ceftriaxone is effective against Lyme disease, especially for treating neurological symptoms and disseminated infections.
Administration:
Ceftriaxone is usually administered through intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection under medical supervision.
Dosage:
The dosage and treatment duration is determined by the severity of the infection and the healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Duration:
Treatment duration with ceftriaxone typically ranges from 14 to 28 days.
Considerations:
Ceftriaxone may not be suitable for individuals with certain allergies or sensitivities to cephalosporin antibiotics. Close monitoring is required for any adverse reactions.
Interactions:
Ceftriaxone may interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform the healthcare provider about any other drugs being taken.
It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment to effectively treat Lyme disease and prevent recurrence or complications. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.
While we’re on the subject of antibiotics, here’s some helpful information on whether you can take expired antibiotics.
Antibiotics for Lyme disease – Rounding up
For Lyme disease treatment, it’s best to follow the recommended guidelines. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment options and care.
Your healthcare professional will typically opt for antibiotics with established effectiveness, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or others that we’ve set out above.
It is essential for patients to complete the full course of treatment to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent potential complications.
As with any medication, it is essential for healthcare providers to consider individual patient factors and tailor the treatment approach accordingly. Lyme disease is a complex condition, and ongoing research is vital to refine treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes. Join our medication access service today for more help.
