To treat strep throat: should I take 5 days of amoxicillin (500mg 3/day) or 10 days?

Question

I am a young adult who still gets strep throat a lot (sigh...both of my parent shad their tonsils removed but the doctors these days say that's not necessary). I used to live in France where this infection is very common and the doctors always gave me amoxocillin without doing a swab (and it got better). Now I live in India where this kind of thing is usually taken care of by the pharmacist. I asked for amoxocillin and they told me to take 500mg/3 times a day for 5 days. However, my doctors in France always prescribed a 10-day course. I don't want to stop too soon, even if the pharmacists say I can (fyi I am an adult and weigh about 55 kilos which is about 122 pounds so I am of the right size and age to take normal doses). Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, every sore throat is not strep. Most are actually a virus and has to run its course and heals itself. The public does not want to hear that and to make them happy, the doctor gives almost everyone an antibiotic and he appears to have healed them. For an actually diagnosed throat infection the normal course of treatment with amoxicillin would be 500mg 3 times daily for 10 days.

Answer 2

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RE:
To treat strep throat: should I take 5 days of amoxicillin (500mg 3/day) or 10 days?
I am a young adult who still gets strep throat a lot (sigh...both of my parent shad their tonsils removed but the doctors these days say that's not necessary). I used to live in France where this infection is very common and the doctors always gave me amoxocillin without doing a swab (and it...

Answer 3

My usual dose is 500mg. 3 times a day for 10 days. And, I am pretty much in your weight. I also have strep a lot. My son also has done the same course of treatment he's 13 and weighs 125lbs. You will probably be okay with the five days. I would try the five days if that's what the pharmacist said. He probably knows what he's talking about more than any of us on yahoo. Good Luck

Answer 4

Looking at the average effect of an antibiotic on the progress of a throat infection, statistically the average patient given an antibiotic for this will recover less than 24 hours sooner than one given simple support advice. However 14% of those given an antibiotic will experience some form of side effect.

Looking at antibiotic choice, if one is going to be prescribed. Vertually all bacterial sore throats, remembering this is only 15%, are due to streptococcus. This organism remains 100% sensitive to either penicillin V ( the alternative if there is allergy is erythromycin), this is a narrow spectrum antibiotic, with fewer side effects and less effect on the bacterial enviroment and resistance pattern, i.e. it is less likely to contribute to the development of resistant arganisms like MRSA, which are created by excessive and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. There is also a specific risk of adverse response when patients with glandular fever ( mono), which will be 5-10% of the patients with viral sore throats, are given Amoxicillin or ampicillin.

Finally if the prescriber is going to decide that the sore throat, against the odds, is bacterial, and does choose the most appropriate drug, penicillin V, it is recommended that the course to erradicate streptococcus is 10 days not 5.

Overall it is estimated that beween 50 and 85% of all antibiotics, prescribed for all apparent indications, are unnecessary.

The Americans, ( whose antibiotic prescribing is ever worse than ours!) have however developed a 4 point check list to decide what is the real chance that a sore throat is bacterial. Centor's scale.

1) Does the patient have a fever at the time of doctor contact 1 point.
2) Is there visible exudate ( pus) one point
3) Are there enlarged, tender anterior neck glands, 1 point.
4) Is there a cough, if present minus 1 point.

3 points gives a 45% chance the infection is bacterial
2 points 20%
1 point 10%

Answer 5

A usual course of antibiotics for an infection like that usually last for fourteen days which is 1 pill twice daily. 500 mgs 3 times a day is a lot. I would actually have the Doctor to do a throat culture to make sure that's what it is. I know you have a family history of it, but sometimes other problems give you the same symptoms. It most likely is that by going on your history of it and when you take the amoxocillin it gets better. I would say that your Doctors know you and know what they are doing, I've just never heard of it dosed that way.

Answer 6

The gold standard is ten day treatment with either oral penicillin or amoxicillin. With the amoxicillin, 500 mg three times a day is good.

Some folks have experimented with using a higher dose for a shorter period of time or using the same dose for a shorter period of time which is probably why you heard about a 5 day course from the pharmacist.

My opinion is that the 10 day course is better.

Answer 7

Amoxicillin 500mg

Answer 8

Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections.
Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, a suspension (liquid), and pediatric drops to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day) with or without food. To help you remember to take amoxicillin, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amoxicillin exactly as directed

Answer 9

Well, in France were your pills 500mg as well? That could make a difference. I guess i'd try the 5 days as suggested and if you don't feel better, go back to the pharmacist.

Answer 10

I would take 2 pills a day for 10 days. If they are 500mg than they are pretty strong pills and you only need 2 a day. Take them 12 hours apart. Finish the medications-do not stop taking them if you feel better early.