Strep Throat Antibiotics

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects thousands every year in United States. It is typically marked by inflammation of the throat, that can make swallowing food a painful task. In this condition, the tonsils appear swollen that interfere with normal eating habits. Soreness accompanied by irritation in throat are some of the most common symptoms of strep throat.

Antibiotics like penicillin are very effective in destroying the bacteria that trigger this throat condition. Also, this form of treatment reduces the recovery time and greatly reduces the chances of infection migrating to other body parts. In short, antibiotics can certainly help to manage the infection effectively.

Penicillin
This antibiotic has been used for years for the treatment of strep throat. However, in order to get rid of this bacterial infection, choosing the right type of penicillin is necessary. Penicillin V has been recommended for strep throat and when given orally for a period of 10 days, can eliminate this infection. Also, a single dosage of penicillin in a day, is not enough and mostly multiple dosages (2 - 3 times) need to be taken, during the day to cure strep throat.

Amoxicillin
This is another antibiotic belonging to the penicillin family that has brought considerable amount of relief among strep throat sufferers. Although, penicillin is usually recommended, those allergic to this medicine, may go for amoxicillin. Unlike penicillin, amoxicillin is taken orally, just once in a day. So the risk of side effects, in case of amoxicillin is significantly lower than penicillin.

Erythromycin
Streptococcal infections that invade the throat can also be treated with erythromycin. The bacteria causing strep throat are extremely sensitive to erythromycin and cannot withstand its damaging effects on exposure to this drug. This antibiotic destroys the DNA of the bacteria, thus stopping them from multiplying.

Cephalosporins
In order to tackle this bacterial infection, cephalosporin antibiotics have also been quite helpful in this regard. In fact, a recent study shows that the efficacy of cephalosporin is significantly more than that of penicillin and amoxicillin with minimal side effects. In fact, doctors say that time has come to replace penicillin with this powerful antibiotic, for the treatment of strep throat. The success rate of cephalosporin in curing strep throat, is very high as compared to penicillin and can also be given to children with minimal side effects (if any).

Dosage

Even though antibiotics are useful to get rid of strep throat, the dosage has to be appropriate, to get the desired results. Antibiotics need to be taken in the prescribed dose to eliminate strep throat problem. Side effects such as diarrhea, skin rash and nausea, generally occur when the recommended dose is not followed. The dosage is generally prescribed, considering the patient's weight and age.

Gargling with salt water and drinking chamomile tea are some of the best home remedies to cure strep throat without antibiotics. Whatever may be the dosage, it should be taken for a stipulated period of time. Many people discontinue the medicine, once, they start feeling better. However, by doing this, the stronger bacteria do not die and hence infection returns within a short time. So, it would be better to complete course of antibiotics, to get rid of strep throat once and for all.