What antibiotic is commonly given for strep throat?

The commonly prescribed antibiotic for strep throat is penicillin. This is because penicillin is highly effective against Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for the condition. It works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for the bacteria’s growth and multiplication. Penicillin’s efficacy in treating strep throat not only helps in alleviating symptoms but also reduces the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever, which can occur when strep throat is untreated.

While azithromycin is also used in cases of strep throat, particularly for individuals who are allergic to penicillin, the first-line treatment remains penicillin due to its proven efficacy and targeting of the specific organism. Ciprofloxacin is primarily used for Gram-negative infections and not the first choice for strep throat, while amoxicillin, although similar to penicillin, is not as specific for this type of infection. Thus, penicillin remains the standard recommendation when treating streptococcal pharyngitis.