What is the initial recommended treatment for Lyme disease in adults?

The initial recommended treatment for Lyme disease in adults is doxycycline. This antibiotic is particularly effective because it targets the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, and has good oral absorption, making it a suitable choice for outpatient management.

Doxycycline is also advantageous because it can treat co-infections such as anaplasmosis, which can also be transmitted by ticks. The treatment typically lasts for about 10 to 21 days, depending on the stage of the disease and any specific symptoms present.

While other antibiotics like amoxicillin can be used, particularly in children or pregnant women, doxycycline remains the first-line treatment for its efficacy and broader range of coverage. The other options, such as vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, are not appropriate as first-line treatments for Lyme disease, as they target different bacterial infections and do not effectively address the specific pathogen causing Lyme disease.