Question

Jonathan has been diagnosed with strep throat and needs a prescription for an antibiotic. He says the last time he had penicillin he developed a red, blotchy rash. An appropriate antibiotic to prescribe would be ___________

Answer 1

An appropriate antibiotic to prescribe to Jonathan, who is allergic to penicillin, could be a macrolide such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, which are suitable alternatives for treating strep throat in patients with penicillin allergies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jonathan, who has strep throat and a history of allergic reaction to penicillin, needs an alternative antibiotic. Given the allergic reaction to penicillin, manifested as a red, blotchy rash, a suitable alternative could be a macrolide antibiotic, such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. These are commonly prescribed antibiotics for patients with penicillin allergies. Other options, depending on the specific bacterial strain and patient's overall health, might include cephalosporins, although cross-reactivity can occur in those with penicillin allergies. It's important to select an antibiotic based on the pathogen's susceptibility and ensure the patient completes the full course of antibiotics prescribed to fully treat the infection and prevent resistance.