Suggest Alternative Medication For Doxycycline Hyclate While Suffering From Lyme Disease

Posted on Fri, 22 Sep 2017

Question: Have had 3 doses, since yesterday, of Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg for suspected Lyme Disease. I am not tolerating it well, stomach problems and heart palpatations. Is there something else that I can have my doctor order?. Have had problems with penicillin, avetox, levaquin and aspirin.

3 lyme tests were taken yesterday (blood sample)- results are not ready far as I know.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest to use cefuroxime.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing in healthcare magic.

First I want to know if you have any signs or concerns after a tick bite?

You should know that for prevention of Lyme disease after a recognized tick bite, routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis or serologic testing is not recommended but a single dose (200 mg) of doxycycline may be offered to adult patients.

You should know that Doxycycline, amoxicillin , or cefuroxime axetil for 14 days ( 10–21 days for doxycycline and 14–21 days for amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil) is recommended for the treatment of adult patients with early localized or early disseminated Lyme disease associated with erythema migrans.
But in your case I suggest using cefuroxime according to your doctor's prescription.
Please can you send me an attached picture of your test results.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (26 minutes later)

Dr Dede; I found a tick on my thigh about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I was full of blood. There was no bullseye but my MD said you don't always get one. The tests were taken yesterday and no results as yet. I started to feel achy in muscles & took about 3 naps a day starting last week, this is not my norm!
I forgot to mention I am very healthy and the only med I take is a 10mg Lisinopril each evening. The cefuroxime, is it related to any of the other drugs that I mentioned having stomach problems with? Are there side effects?
Will greatly appreciate your answers on the above. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cefuroxime enters in cephalosporins group.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for my late response.

Based on your history I think you should continue the treatment for Lyme disease.
You should know that doxycycline is a good choice to treat borreliosis but if you cannot tolerate it you should continue with cefuroxime after talking to your doctor.
The cefuroxime enters in cephalosporins group and it is not related with the above mentioned drugs. But like all other drugs it has side effects.

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (3 hours later)

I will stick with the Doxycycline Hyclate, however, pharmacy said to offset the stomach discomfort to take a probiatic about 2 hrs after. I chose Align, hope it works. In your experience, what is the length of time for lyme to dissipate in the body? I greatly appreciate your answers. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest to continue with doxycycline....

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing back.

I agree with this idea. I suggest to continue with doxycycline as well with stomach protector(like omeprazole ,or pantoprazole ) and probiotic.
Furthermore if you will not have improvement you should try other alternative.

In my experience most cases of Lyme disease are treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics as I mentioned above.
Usually the treatment with antibiotic for early Lyme disease is effective, and symptoms go away within 3 weeks of treatment.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana