Which antibiotic is commonly prescribed for treating Lyme disease?

Doxycycline is commonly prescribed for treating Lyme disease primarily due to its effectiveness against the Borrelia bacteria that cause the infection. This antibiotic has good tissue penetration and is able to reach the sites of infection effectively, making it suitable for treating early localized and disseminated Lyme disease.

Moreover, doxycycline is part of the tetracycline class of antibiotics, which have been shown to have a superior efficacy profile in treating Lyme disease compared to many other antibiotics. It is especially useful in adult patients, and its anti-inflammatory properties may also help alleviate some symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

While other antibiotics like amoxicillin are also used for Lyme disease treatment, especially in children and pregnant women, doxycycline is often the preferred first-line therapy because of its broader indications and effectiveness against this particular pathogen.