What are the best antibiotic for strep throat?

Overview

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for effective and complete treatment. Amoxicillin and Azithromycin are commonly prescribed, with adults typically taking 500 mg of Amoxicillin 2-3 times daily for ten days, while for Azithromycin, adults generally take 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg once daily for the next four days.

Children’s dosages are based on weight, ranging from 25-50 mg/kg/day for Amoxicillin and Azithromycin. They are typically dosed at 12 mg/kg once daily for five days (max 500 mg/day ).
Options like Cephalexin or Clindamycin are considered for those allergic to first-line antibiotics. The fastest way to cure strep throat is to start antibiotics early, with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Failure to treat strep throat promptly can extend symptoms and risk complications.
This blog covers all the best and most effective antibiotic options to treat strep throat infections!

What antibiotic is used for strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. These medications specifically target and eliminate the Streptococcus bacteria causing the infection. 

Not all antibiotics are preferred to treat this bacterial infection due to their specific mechanism of action to control the infection or kill the bacteria. Antibiotics that are used and preferred to treat strep throat are: 

• Azithromycin  (first-line antibiotic)
• Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid (amoxiclav)

Dose adjustments : 

Your healthcare provider determines the dose based on your age, severity of infection, and other closely related factors that vary with each individual. 

• Adults usually take 500 mg of Azithromycin on the first day, followed by 250 mg once daily for the next four days.
• Adults usually take 500 mg of Amoxicillin 2-3 times daily for ten days.
• The dose is highly dependent on children’s weight. The usual recommendation is divided doses of 25-50 mg/kg/day of Amoxicillin. 

Usually, the dose prescribed by healthcare providers consists of 10 days for the complete and effective treatment of an infection. 

It’s crucial to complete the prescribed dose till it is prescribed to avoid antibiotic resistance development in the body, says Dr.Richard Honekar

What is the strongest antibiotic for strep throat?

The most effective first-line antibiotics considered for strep throat are : 

• Amoxicillin and Azithromycin. 

They are also the first-line antibiotics (the first option to choose) for strep throat. Other antibiotics can also be effective, but they should be given only if you are allergic to first-line antibiotics.

Your healthcare provider will determine the best antibiotic for you, considering the antibiotic resistance, medical history, and allergic sensitivity. In case of allergy, other more potent antibiotics that are recommended are cephalexin and clindamycin. 

What is the fastest way to cure strep throat?

The fastest way to cure strep throat is to start the right antibiotics early without any delay. Along with antibiotics, proper rest, hydration, and a good diet help speed up the curing process. 

You will notice improvement in your strep throat symptoms after 2-3 days of antibiotics with proper rest and hydration. Without those, it might last more than five days with other symptoms like fever and swollen tonsils. 

Taking OTC painkillers like acetaminophen and Advil can help you give symptomatic relief as well.

When to consult a doctor?

Consult your healthcare provider when you experience symptoms of strep throat to get the right prescription medications for you. Only these can help you with effective treatment and complete recovery, while other natural remedies and OTC medications can only improve your symptoms.

FAQs about the antibiotic for strep throat