Sore throat
The regional formulary will not cover all eventualities for infections medicines choices. As with any condition; patient specific factors and sensitivities need to be considered. Please consider this regional formulary advice alongside any relevant local Board guidelines.
Analgesia, no antibiotic treatment. The majority of sore throats are viral and self-limiting. Do not prescribe an antibiotic for simple sore throats (majority resolve in 7 days) – only use antibiotics when there is evidence of bacterial infection.
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:
- 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.
- The FeverPAIN score for streptococcal pharyngitis may be helpful to consider.
- Consider glandular fever if sore throat persists or patient is debilitated and not responding to antibiotics.
History Notes
30/07/2026
Regional formulary chapter launched.