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If your doctor determines that you have the streptococcus bacteria, then you will need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually taken for 10 days, although your doctor may want you to take them for shorter or longer. The most common antibiotics prescribed for strep throat include penicillin or amoxicillin. If you are allergic, your doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic such as cephalexin or azithromycin. Remember a few things when you begin your antibiotics: Take the whole course of antibiotics, even when you feel better. Not taking the whole course can increase your chances of a recurrent and more serious infection, as the initial antibiotics may kill the weak bacteria, and the strong bacteria may survive and become resistant to the antibiotics taken. Do not skip doses. Regular antibiotics doses ensure that it works properly. Try to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. While alcohol won't interfere with most antibiotics, it can intensify the side-effects, making you dizzy, drowsy, and giving you a stomach upset. Be aware that some cough syrups and mouthwashes contain alcohol. Take as directed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to take the antibiotic. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, it may work better with or without food. For example, Penicillin V should be taken on an empty stomach, while amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. Most antibiotics are taken with a glass of water. Look out for allergic reactions to antibiotics such as rash, swelling of the mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any reaction, talk to your doctor and s/he can prescribe a different antibiotic. If you experience difficulty breathing call 911 as this can be a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Look out for side effects. Side effects of most antibiotics include upset stomach and diarrhea. There may be particular side effects to the antibiotic you are prescribed. This will help pain associated with the sore throat and other symptoms such as fever. Preferably, take the pain medication with food. This will help to ease the symptoms of strep throat. Mix about teaspoon of salt into a tall glass of warm water. Take the saltwater in the back of your mouth, lift your head back, and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit the salt water out after the back of your throat is coated. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking warm, throat-soothing tonics such as lemon tea or tea with honey can help relieve the symptoms of strep throat. In addition, fluids and water keep you hydrated, which helps you to heal more efficiently. A humidifier cycles dry air through moist air. This creates air that is easier and more soothing to breathe. If you don't have a humidifier handy, you can create a makeshift humidifier by bringing a pot of water to boil and letting it steam in a room you're inhabiting. If using a humidifier, be careful not to overdo it. A little bit of moisture in your air is good. Too much moisture isn't. Too much moisture can help create perfect conditions for certain mold and fungus, aggravating symptoms, and possibly even delaying recuperation. Throat lozenges or sprays are available over the counter at pharmacies and can help relieve sore throats. These may contain local anesthetics or antiseptics and offer symptomatic relief. It is important to contact your doctor if your symptoms are do not improve within a few days (48 hours) or if symptoms worsen. This could mean your antibiotic is not working. In addition, contact your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Start your course of antibiotics. Take an OTC pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Gargle with saltwater twice a day. Use of a humidifier. Take a lozenge. Contact your doctor if your symptoms continue.