Late Lyme Disease Treatment

If not treated with antibiotics in the early stages, Lyme disease can disseminate and spread to joints, heart and nervous system in its late stage. Late Lyme disease is treated with intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin. The most common late manifestations of Lyme disease include recurrent attacks of joint swelling, especially in the knees, along with intermittent episodes of arthritis. Lyme carditis can also develop in some cases where the heart is affected by the infection.

The recommended duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy depends on the specific manifestations of late Lyme disease. Lyme Disease Treatment arthritis usually requires 2-4 weeks of IV antibiotics. For Lyme carditis, at least 2-3 weeks of IV therapy is recommended. For neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease such as meningitis, encephalitis or neuropathy, IV antibiotics may be given for 4 weeks or more.