Strep A antibiotic treatment: what to know

Strep A is a bacterium that can cause throat and skin infections. A clinician may use your symptoms, an examination, and testing when appropriate to decide whether an antibiotic is suitable. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection; they do not treat viral illnesses such as a common cold. The choice of medicine depends on the infection, allergies, age, pregnancy status, and other medicines.

Improvement may take time even after treatment begins. Sore throat, fever, or tiredness can continue while the body recovers. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover tablets, because an unsuitable drug or incomplete course may not clear the infection and can cause side effects.

Take every dose at the prescribed time and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop or changes it. Follow label instructions about food and storage. Rest, drink fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Ask a pharmacist which pain or fever medicine is suitable for you; check before combining products that may contain the same ingredient.

Wash hands often, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and replace a toothbrush when your clinician advises. Tell the prescriber about rash, diarrhoea, vomiting, or any previous antibiotic reaction. Keep children home from school or childcare until a clinician confirms when returning is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, a muffled voice, severe dehydration, rapidly spreading redness or swelling, confusion, or a marked deterioration. Contact the prescribing clinician if symptoms are not improving, return after improvement, or side effects make it hard to take the medicine.

Ask: Do I need a test? Which infection are we treating? How should I take this medicine with food or other medicines? What should I do if I miss a dose? When can I return to work, school, or childcare? Which symptoms mean I need urgent review?