Which antibiotic is typically prescribed for Lyme disease?

Doxycycline is the antibiotic typically prescribed for Lyme disease due to its effectiveness against the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that causes the infection. This tetracycline antibiotic is particularly advantageous for treating early localized and early disseminated Lyme disease, as it can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease.

Doxycycline is also favored because it has good penetration into tissues and can be taken orally, making it an accessible option for most patients. In addition, it is effective in preventing co-infections that may occur in conjunction with Lyme disease, such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, which can present with similar symptoms.

Other antibiotics listed may be effective for various infections but are not the first-line choices for Lyme disease. For instance, Keflex (cephalexin) is primarily used for skin and soft tissue infections, Clindamycin is often reserved for some anaerobic infections, and Azithromycin, while it has some activity against certain bacteria, is not considered the standard treatment for Lyme disease compared to doxycycline. Thus, doxycycline remains the preferred treatment option in clinical guidelines for managing Lyme disease.