What is the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with strep throat?

The first-line treatment for strep throat, which is primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus), is amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that is effective against this bacteria and is preferred due to its efficacy, safety profile, and short treatment duration compared to other antibiotics.

In the case of strep throat, treating with amoxicillin can help alleviate symptoms, prevent potential complications such as rheumatic fever, and reduce the transmission of the infection to others. It is also well tolerated by most patients, including children, which makes it a suitable choice for this common infection.

Other options, such as azithromycin and clindamycin, can be used in patients who are allergic to penicillin or who fail first-line therapy, but they are not the first choice due to concerns over resistance or spectrum of activity. Cephalexin, while it has activity against the bacteria, is also generally not the first choice considering the proven efficacy of amoxicillin in treating strep throat.