Strep throat is known to be a bacterial infection that affects the throat and is triggered by a certain type of bacteria named Group A Streptococcus. Although this condition can affect individuals of any age group, it is mostly prevalent among young children in age range of 5-15 years, notes the U.S National Library of Medicine. It is also important to note that strep throat is contagious i.e. it spreads via saliva or nasal secretions. However, this condition can be treated effectively by making use of certain medications. Given below are some of them.
Drugs to Treat Strep Throat
Factive
Factive is a medicinal drug that is used in the treatment of strep throat. This medication is used in dealing with bacterial infections and is classified as a fluoroquinoline antibiotic that helps in destroying bacteria. You should abstain from using this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of Factive, or if you have a low potassium or magnesium level, or are presently taking medications for heart rhythm disorders.
You should take this medication only in the doses prescribed by your physician. In addition to that, it is important that you do not chew or crush the tablet, but swallow it whole. This medication can be taken with or without meals, but should be swallowed along with a glass of water. Mild side effects associated with Factive include diarrhea, headache, mild stomach ache, vomiting and nausea.
However, if you experience serious side effects such as extreme hunger, vision problems, fainting, swelling and redness of skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, tremors, hallucinations or tightness of chest, it is important that you seek medical help immediately.
Augmentin
Augmentin is classified as a penicillin antibiotic that is used in the treatment of strep throat. This medication is made up of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to destroy bacteria. Clavulanate potassium is used to destroy bacteria that cannot be destroyed by many penicillin medications. Before using this medication in the treatment of strep throat, it is important that you inform your doctor if you suffer from liver disorders, kidney disease, mononucleosis or an allergic reaction to any component of this medication.
It is advisable that you take this medication prior to meals, as it helps in reducing the risk of an upset stomach. There are basically two types of Augmentin tablets available in the market and they are chewable and extended-release tablets. It is highly recommended that you should chew the chewable tablets and swallow the extended-release tablets whole i.e. without chewing.
Mild side effects associated with augmentin include vomiting, nausea, headache, skin itching, rash, gas and diarrhea. Serious side effects include bruising, bleeding, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling, muscle weakness and bloody diarrhea. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it is advisable that you inform your doctor immediately.
Biaxin
Biaxin (clarithromycin) is known to be a macrolide antibiotic that helps in dealing with strep throat. Clarithromycin helps in destroying bacteria present in the body. This website highly recommends that you avoid using this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to clarithromycin or other medications. If you have ever suffered from jaundice or any liver disorder in the past, triggered by clarithromycin, it is important that you avoid using this medication for strep throat.
Before using this medication for treating strep throat symptoms, it is important that you inform your doctor if you suffer from liver disorder, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalance or if you are taking heart rhythm medications. It is advisable that you do not give this medication to children below the age of six months. This medication should be taken in doses as prescribed by your physician only.
The extended-release tablet should be consumed whole, along with food. You can also use the oral liquid form of this medication for treating strep throat. Mild side effects associated with this medication include tooth discoloration, headache, mild rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting and bad breath.
Serious side effects of this medication include chest pain, sore throat, bloody diarrhea, hearing problems, sore throat, blistering and peeling of skin, and jaundice. If you begin to develop these serious side effects, it is important that you seek medical help immediately. Before using this medication for treating strep throat, inform your doctor if you presently take any other medication.
Zinacef
Zinacef is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic that helps in destroying bacteria present inside the body. It is advisable that you abstain from using this medication if you are allergic to any component of Zinacef. This medication is usually administered in the form of an injection for treating bacterial infections. It is important to note that this medication is only helpful in dealing with bacterial infections, not viral infections.
This medication should not be given to children below the age of three years. Mild side effects of this medication include rash, swelling and pain around the skin where the injection has been administered. Serious side effects include tightness of chest, bleeding, yellowing of skin and eyes, black stools, nausea, severe diarrhea, seizures, fever, chills and hearing problems. If you develop these serious side effects, it is important that you stop using this medication immediately and consult your physician.
Enythrocin
Enythrocin is a medication that is used for treating strep throat. This medication is classified as macrolide antibiotic, which helps to kill bacteria present in the body. Abstain from using this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of this medication, or if you suffer from conditions such as slow heartbeat, low potassium levels or are taking heart rhythm medications. This medication is generally taken an hour before or after meals; however, if you experience stomach upset, it is advisable that you take this medication along with food.
If you are using this medication, it is highly important that you avoid consuming grapefruit. Mild side effects associated with this medication include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset and vomiting. If you experience any serious side effects such as hearing loss, hallucinations, dark stools, yellow urine, bloody diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat or seizures, it is recommended that you consult your physician immediately.
