Can I take doxycycline for a strep throat?
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some streptococcus species, but it is not considered a treatment option for S. pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS ) infections, the bacteria that cause strep throat and rheumatic fever. There are also concerns around some Strep species being resistant to doxycycline.
In patients at high risk for rheumatic fever with GAS, the following narrow-spectrum antibiotics with a good safety record are generally recommended first-line:
- Penicillin V (PEN-VK)
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Moxatag)
- Penicillin G benzathine.
Alternatives in adults and children who are penicillin-allergic (non-severe) include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex, Biocef)
- Cefadroxil (Duricef).
Alternatives in adults and children who are penicillin-allergic (severe) include:
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax)
- Erythromycin (E.E.S. granules).
Typical symptoms of Strep throat are sore throat, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Adults and children with confirmed GAS throat infections who have risk factors for developing rheumatic fever should receive antibiotic therapy. For nearly all other sore throat cases —including pharyngitis and tonsillitis — antibiotics are generally unnecessary. This is because most sore throats are caused by viruses rather than bacteria, and even when GAS is the culprit, the condition typically resolves without treatment.
For more information visit Strep Throat or Medications for Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis).
Related questions
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References
- BPACNZ. Primary Care Antibiotic Guide Antibiotics: choices for common infections. 1 November 2024. https://bpac.org.nz/antibiotics/guide.aspx
- ABX-Pharyngitis. Rx Files. https://www.rxfiles.ca/rxfiles/uploads/documents/ABX-Pharyngitis.pdf
- Shea, Kevin W. et al. Doxycycline Activity Against Streptococcus pneumoniae. CHEST, 1995, Volume 108, Issue 6, 1775 - 1776
Read next
Does doxycycline work for acne?
Yes, doxycycline is an oral tetracycline antibiotic that works by slowing the growth of acne-producing bacteria and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly prescribed by dermatologists for moderate-to-severe acne, and the American Academy of Dermatology strongly recommends this treatment as well. Continue reading
Does Doxycycline make you tired?
Feeling tired is not a commonly-reported side effect from doxycycline. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that may be used to treat a variety of infections and acne. Some people might feel tired during their treatment with doxycycline due to the underlying cause, such as an infection. Continue reading
What causes black hairy tongue?
Black hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of papillae (taste buds) on the tongue. It results in a dark, furry appearance of dead skin cells on the surface of the tongue that can be stained from bacteria, food, or tobacco. Although it may be unpleasant, it doesn't usually require medical treatment and it's temporary and harmless. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Doxycycline Information for Consumers
- Doxycycline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Doxycycline (detailed)
- Doxycycline user reviews (1,642)
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