Can I take azithromycin for strep throat?

“I’ve had a really sore throat for a couple days and I think it might be strep. Can I take azithromycin for strep throat?”

Dr. Janessa Oliveira
Biochemist and Pharmacist CRF-SP 22143

Azithromycin for strep throat can be an option in some cases, but it is not appropriate for every sore throat. It should only be used when a clinician confirms or strongly suspects a bacterial infection.

If you have a sore throat, it's important to see a primary care provider or an ENT (otolaryngologist) to decide whether testing or antibiotics are needed.

To help with pain and throat inflammation, medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended.

Do not take azithromycin or any other antibiotic without medical guidance, because unnecessary antibiotic use can increase antibiotic resistance and make future infections harder to treat.

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