Despite being used extensively, Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections are not resistant antibiotics. Penicillin and amoxicillin are first-line antibiotics for GAS infection. However, doctors often use alternative antibiotics to penicillin, such as clarithromycin and azithromycin (macrolide antibiotics) to treat GAS infection, particularly for people who are allergic to penicillin. GAS infection responds well to first line antibiotics of penicillin and it is vital that antibiotics are started immediately if GAS infection is suspected.
It is important that antibiotics are taken correctly, for the correct infection and correct length of time in order to prevent antibiotic resistance to GAS infection. The following are ways in which you can prevent antibiotics resistance:
- Do not share your medication with others
- Take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you
- Do not save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines
- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects
- Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics prescribed to you
Further information on Group A Streptococcal infections and antibiotics can be found here.