Strep Throat Treatments

Antibiotic Medications

Almost all sore throats—including strep—will get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. Strep throat improves more rapidly with antibiotics than without, but 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 peritonsilar abscess
• Ear or sinus infection

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 or ibuprofen can help relieve sore throat and muscle aches and pains.

Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin.