From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of amoxicillin for treating strep throat is 50 mg/kg once daily (maximum = 1000 mg) for 10 days, as stated in the 2013 IDSA guideline update 1.
Key Considerations
- For children, the dosage is typically 50 mg/kg once daily, with a maximum dose of 1000 mg per day.
- For adults, the maximum dose of 1000 mg per day can be administered as a single dose.
- The duration of treatment is 10 days, and it is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely eliminated and prevent complications.
- Amoxicillin is effective against Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep throat, because it inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Important Notes
- Patients should take the medication with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Common side effects may include diarrhea, stomach upset, and rash.
- If a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling) develops, medical attention should be sought immediately.
- Staying hydrated and using throat lozenges or warm salt water gargles can help manage symptoms while the antibiotic takes effect.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The 2013 IDSA guideline update 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence for the recommended dose of amoxicillin for treating strep throat. This guideline update is based on a thorough review of the literature and provides a strong, high-quality recommendation for the use of amoxicillin in the treatment of strep throat.
From the FDA Drug Label
In some infections, therapy may be required for several weeks. It may be necessary to continue clinical and/or bacteriological follow-up for several months after cessation of therapy. It is recommended that there be at least 10 days’ treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever. Table 1 ... Ear/Nose/Throat ... Mild/ Moderate 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours Table 1 ... Ear/Nose/Throat ... Severe 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours
The recommended dose of Amoxicillin for treating strep throat is:
- For mild/moderate infections: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours
- For severe infections: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours Treatment should be continued for at least 10 days to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever 2.
From the Research
Amoxicillin Dose for Strep Throat
The recommended dose of Amoxicillin for treating strep throat can vary based on the patient's weight and the specific treatment regimen.
- For patients weighing less than 40 kg, a dose of 750 mg once daily or 375 mg twice daily for 10 days is recommended 3.
- For patients weighing 40 kg or more, a dose of 1000 mg once daily or 500 mg twice daily for 10 days is recommended 3.
- Another study suggests that once-daily amoxicillin (750 mg) is as effective as penicillin V (250 mg three times a day) for 10 days in treating group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis 4.
Comparison with Other Antibiotics
Amoxicillin has been compared to other antibiotics in the treatment of strep throat, including:
- Azithromycin: a 3-day azithromycin regimen was associated with similar clinical efficacy but lower bacteriologic eradication rates compared to a 10-day penicillin V regimen 5.
- Clarithromycin: a 5-day clarithromycin regimen was associated with similar clinical efficacy but lower bacteriologic eradication rates compared to a 10-day penicillin V regimen 6.
- Cephalosporins: cephalosporins may be associated with similar symptom resolution rates but lower clinical relapse rates compared to penicillin 7.
Adverse Events
The incidence of adverse events with amoxicillin is generally similar to that of other antibiotics, including: