LymeNet Flash: How to treat co-infection vs Lyme itself

This is topic How to treat co-infection vs Lyme itself in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by vachick (Member # 8353) on :

Okay...I am still a bit new and don't understand something. From what I am reading, there seems to be a difference between treating Lyme and the co-infections.

So, are there different abxs for each of them??

Also, my doc has me on 300mg Omnicef and 500mg of Biaxin and then wants to add Flagyl if I can take it (to beat the cyst form of Lyme). He will be testing me for co-infections in a few weeks so I don't know which ones, if any, I have.

If I have co-infections, will I need even MORE abxs??? Or will he change them based on which ones I may have?

This is confusing. There seem to be abxs for the current Lyme organism, abxs for the cystic form of Lyme and then abxs for the co-infections!!

Anyone know how to clear this mud for me?? Thanks so much!

Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :

Welcome!

Yes, there are different treatment protocols for the co-infections. Babesia is usually treated with Mepron (anti-protozoal) and Zithromax (macrolide antibiotic) plus Artemesia annua (herb) combined. The Zithromax used works on the Lyme at the same time, as does a bit of the Mepron. When you have Ehrlichia, usually high dose Doxycycline is used which works on both the Ehrlichia and the Lyme concurrently.

Flagyl is used to get at the cyst form, along with one or more additional antibiotics at the same time. Plaquenil + Biaxin is also used for this purpose. There are many protocols to use. Ketek is increasingly becoming the drug of choice for Lyme.

The dose of Biaxin you are on is VERY low. Usually Biaxin is at minimum 1500 mg per day.
So, it depends on what co-infections you have, and the treatment is tailored accordingly.
Hope that helps answer some of your questions. Keep reading up, you will learn alot! [Smile]

Posted by christelleny (Member # 6719) on :

I can't clear all the mud, but maybe help a little.

I asked the same question from my LLMD when he had to get me off Rifampin (for Bartonella) because I didn't tolerate it and put me back on a combo Zithromax/Doryx (more specific to Lyme).

He told me that some antibiotics are known to work better for certain co-infections. However, when the specific abx are not tolerated, the right Lyme combo, using the right doses, may also do the trick. It may take longer.

Posted by vachick (Member # 8353) on :

Thanks. That is some info to take to my doc and ask questions. So if my biaxin dose is low, does that mean that I may not be herxing after all with my muscle pain and aches plus stiff neck?