What is the typical treatment for a bacterial pharyngitis?

In cases of bacterial pharyngitis, particularly when caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the recommended first-line treatment is penicillin or amoxicillin. These antibiotics are highly effective against the bacteria responsible for this type of infection and are preferred due to their efficacy, narrow spectrum, and safety profile.

Penicillin is the traditional choice and is usually given in oral form for 10 days. Amoxicillin, while similar to penicillin in terms of effectiveness, can be preferred in some cases due to its better taste and dosing convenience, particularly for children.

Other antibiotics, such as azithromycin or clindamycin, may be considered in patients who are allergic to penicillin or in cases where there is a concern for atypical pathogens, but they are not the first-line treatment due to variations in effectiveness for group A streptococcus.

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, which can also be effective, but again, it is generally not the first-line option for typical cases of streptococcal pharyngitis. The preference for penicillin or amoxicillin reflects established guidelines and clinical effectiveness for treating the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis.