Schroeck et al reported criteria for appropriate antibiotic therapy in a patient with pharyngitis. The authors are from VA Western New York Healthcare System, University of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center and East Orange VA.
Criteria for the diagnosis of pharyngitis:
(1) sore throat
(2) inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils
(3) patchy, discrete exudates
Antibiotic therapy is appropriate if 2 or more of the following are present:
(1) history of fever
(2) no cough
(3) tonsillar exudates
(4) tender anterior cervical adenopathy
If testing is available, then a rapid strept test should be performed.
Appropriate antibiotic therapy:
(1) penicillin or amoxicillin
(2) first or second generation oral cephalosporin
(3) macrolide if the patient is penicillin allergic
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