[Penicillin for acute throat infections. Are there arguments for modifying the guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners?].

Abstract

A recent study concludes that a 7-day penicillin treatment for a sore throat is superior to a 3-day treatment or a placebo, because the symptoms are resolved two days earlier. Prior to this study, the difference--based on the conclusions of a Cochrane review--was thought to be just 8 hours. The total number of patients included was too small to conclude that penicillin could reduce the number of short-term and long-term complications. In the guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners, a 7-day penicillin treatment for a sore throat is only recommended in severe cases. It is still quite acceptable for Dutch GPs to discuss the treatment options for a sore throat with their patients. A change to the current guidelines is not necessary.

• Authors: W J van den Bosch
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 145 Issue 13 Pg. 612-3 (Mar 31 2001) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Penicilline bij acute keelinfectie. Zijn er argumenten om de richtlijnen in de NHG-standaard aan te passen?
• PMID: 11305208 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Penicillins

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Humans
• Netherlands
• Penicillins (therapeutic use)
• Pharyngitis (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Streptococcal Infections (drug therapy)
• Tonsillitis (drug therapy, microbiology)