What is the recommended initial treatment for strep throat?

The recommended initial treatment for strep throat is penicillin or amoxicillin because these antibiotics are specifically effective against Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for the majority of strep throat cases. Penicillin has a long history of use and is usually the first-line antibiotic due to its proven efficacy, safety profile, and low cost. Amoxicillin is often preferred for patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills, as it can be formulated as a liquid.

Both antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death, which effectively eradicates the infection. The choice of penicillin or amoxicillin aligns with clinical guidelines that emphasize treating strep throat to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, which can arise from untreated infections.

Other options, while they may be effective against various bacterial infections, are not the first-line treatment for strep throat. Azithromycin is typically used in cases where the patient is allergic to penicillin, but it is not the first choice. Ciprofloxacin is not effective against the organism responsible for strep throat and is generally reserved for other types of infections. Clindamycin could be used in penicillin-allergic patients or in cases of severe infection but is also