Strep Throat Treatment
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- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
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- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
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- Resource Guide
How to Treat Strep Throat
Antibiotic Medications
Almost all sore throats-including strep-will get better on their own in 7-10 days. Strep throat improves more rapidly with antibiotics than without. (Antibiotics do not affect the healing of sore throats due to virus infection.) Given as a pill or a shot, types of antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, azithromycin, or cephalosporin antibiotics. Symptoms begin to disappear after only a few doses, but it is crucial that you finish the entire prescription.
Serious complications of undertreated strep throat include:
- Kidney damage (Glomerulonephritis)
- Scarlet Fever
- Rheumatic Fever
- Tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess
- Ear or Sinusitis
Antibiotics are typically given to prevent the complication of Rheumatic Fever from occurring after strep throat infection. In many communities, erythromycin is no longer reliably effective in treating strep throat or preventing rheumatic fever due to resistance of the bacteria.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve sore throat and muscle aches and pains.
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Note : Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's Syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.
If your are diagnosed with strep throat, follow your doctor's instructions.
