What is the recommended treatment for Lymes Disease?

Doxycycline for 21 days is the recommended treatment for Lyme disease, particularly in adults and children over the age of 8. This antibiotic is effective against the causal organism, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. The 21-day treatment duration is based on evidence showing that this length of therapy effectively clears the infection and reduces the risk of long-term complications, such as Lyme arthritis and neurologic issues.

Doxycycline is preferred because it not only treats Lyme disease but also targets other tick-borne illnesses. The oral bioavailability and dosing schedule make it a convenient option for most patients. Furthermore, doxycycline exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate some of the associated symptoms while the infection is being treated.

In contrast, while other antibiotics like Amoxicillin are options for treating Lyme disease, they are less commonly used as first-line treatments, particularly in older children and adults. Azithromycin has limited effectiveness against Borrelia burgdorferi, and ciprofloxacin is not typically used for Lyme disease due to its insufficient efficacy against the specific pathogens involved. Thus, doxycycline remains the standard recommendation for appropriately managing Lyme disease.