Strep Throat Discharge Instructions
Complete the full 10-day course of antibiotics even if you feel better after a few days, as stopping early increases the risk of treatment failure and rheumatic fever. 1, 2
Antibiotic Treatment
If You Were Prescribed Penicillin or Amoxicillin
- Take penicillin V 500 mg twice daily OR 250 mg three to four times daily for the full 10 days 1, 3
- Alternatively, amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days is equally effective 1, 3
- Take your medication at the start of a meal to minimize stomach upset 2
- Never stop antibiotics early—the full 10-day course is essential to prevent rheumatic fever and ensure bacterial eradication 1, 4
If You Have Penicillin Allergy
- For non-severe allergies: Take cephalexin (first-generation cephalosporin) for 10 days 1, 3
- For severe/anaphylactic allergies: Take clindamycin 300 mg three times daily for 10 days OR azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 5 days 1, 3
- Do not take cephalosporins if you have had an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin 3
When You Can Return to Work/School
Stay home for the first 24 hours after starting antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection to others. 5 After completing 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, you may return to work, school, or daycare even if you still have mild symptoms 5.
Symptom Management
Pain and Fever Relief
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for throat pain and fever control 1, 3
- These medications work for moderate to severe symptoms regardless of antibiotic use 1
- Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents due to the risk of Reye syndrome 1, 4
Additional Comfort Measures
- Warm salt water gargles may provide temporary throat relief 6
- Stay well-hydrated with fluids
What to Expect
- Fever and symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics 1
- Even without antibiotics, strep throat is self-limited and symptoms usually resolve within 3-4 days, but antibiotics prevent serious complications 1
- If symptoms worsen after starting antibiotics or persist beyond 5 days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately 7
Household Contacts
Family members who live with you do not need testing or treatment unless they develop symptoms of sore throat. 1 Asymptomatic household contacts should not be tested or treated routinely, as up to 25% may carry the bacteria without being sick 1.
Critical Warnings
Do Not Stop Antibiotics Early
- Completing less than 10 days of penicillin or amoxicillin increases your risk of treatment failure 1, 4, 8
- The full course prevents acute rheumatic fever, a serious complication that can damage your heart 1, 2
- Even if you feel completely better after 3-4 days, continue taking all prescribed medication 1
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing 7
- Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
- Severe worsening of throat pain after starting antibiotics 7
- Development of a rash
- High fever that persists beyond 48 hours of antibiotic treatment