Sore throat

Analgesia, no antibiotic treatment (majority resolve in 7 days).

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

If penicillin allergic, prescribe clarithromycin.

500mg every 12 hours for 5 days

In pregnancy and penicillin allergic.

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days

Prescribing Notes:

The majority of sore throats are viral and self-limiting. Do not prescribe an antibiotic for simple sore throats - only use antibiotics when there is evidence of bacterial infection.
Serious streptococcal complications are rare and there is little evidence of benefit from prescribing antibiotics. If Modified Centor Criteria is 3 or 4 points, consider 2-3 day delayed or immediate antibiotics. Score 1 point for each of (lymphadenopathy, no cough, fever, tonsillar exudate). Age <15 years add 1 point, age >44 years subtract 1 point.
Consider glandular fever if sore throat persists or patient is debilitated and not responding to antibiotics.

06/06/2024

Erythromycin ethyl succinate 500mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free discontinued and removed

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Analgesia, no antibiotic treatment (82% resolve in 7 days).

See BNFc for dose and duration.

If penicillin allergic, prescribe clarithromycin.

See BNFc for dose and duration.

The majority of sore throats are viral and self-limiting. Do not prescribe an antibiotic for simple sore throats - only use antibiotics when there is evidence of bacterial infection. Serious streptococcal complications are rare. There is little evidence of benefit from prescribing antibiotics unless any of the following are present: systemic toxicity, recurrent tonsillitis, immunocompromised, debilitated or prolonged (more than 7 days) illness.
If Modified Centor Criteria is 3 or 4 points, consider 2-3 day delayed or immediate antibiotics. Score 1 point for each of (lymphadenopathy, no cough, fever, tonsillar exudate). Age < 15 years add 1 point. For more information refer to NICE CKS: Sore throat - acute.
Consider glandular fever if sore throat persists or patient is debilitated and not responding to antibiotics after 5 days.
Since the reconstituted expiry date of phenoxymethylpenicillin suspension is 7 days, where a 10-day course is indicated 2 bottles of suspension should be prescribed to be dispensed a week apart.
For suspected scarlet fever, refer to the scarlet fever condition pathway.

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.