Medications for Lyme Disease

Antibiotics

Common names include:

• Doxycycline]]> (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin)
• ]]>Amoxicillin]]> (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox)
• ]]>Cefuroxime]]> (Ceftin, Kefurox, Zinacef)
• ]]>Ceftriaxone]]> (Rocephin)

Antibiotics are given to treat patients in all stages of Lyme disease. Their aim is to kill the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Relapse may follow the use of any antibiotic, and a repeat course of therapy may be necessary. Some people may continue to develop symptoms and complications of the disease even after the bacteria are killed.

• Doxycycline—This is a type of tetracycline antibiotic. It is given in pill form for several weeks or sometimes longer. Doxycycline can cause an upset stomach and should be taken with food. It cannot be used in pregnant women and children under 8 years of age.
• Amoxicillin—This is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is given to pregnant women, children under 8, and those allergic to tetracycline. It is also given in pill form for several weeks. It can be taken on an empty or full stomach.
• Cefuroxime and ceftriaxone—These are cephalosporin antibiotics. They are given when you cannot take either of the other antibiotics, or if you have serious complications. Cefuroxime is given in pill form and should be taken with a full glass of water. They can be taken with food or a glass of milk if they upset your stomach. Ceftriaxone may be given in intravenous (IV) form or as an intramuscular injection.

Possible side effects of all antibiotics include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• ]]>Diarrhea]]>
• Allergic reaction, including skin rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing
• Hypersensitivity to sunlight (most common with doxycycline)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

• Ibuprofen]]> (Advil, Genpril, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, Rufen)
• ]]>Naproxen sodium]]> (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)

NSAIDs are pain relievers. Your doctor may advise you to use them if you have ]]>arthritis]]> pain as a complication of Lyme disease. The dose depends on the amount of pain. For severe pain, NSAIDs are available in higher doses by prescription. They should be taken with food and a full glass of water.

Possible side effects include:

• Increased bleeding after surgery
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Flu-like feeling
• ]]>Asthma]]> or chest tightness

NSAIDs may interfere with other medications including those treating ]]>high blood pressure]]> . Be sure any doctor prescribing NSAIDs knows about your past medical history and any your other medications. If you are aged 50 or older or have previously had bleeding from the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may prescribe different medications than the ones listed above.