What is the recommended treatment for a patient with "strep throat"?

The appropriate treatment for strep throat, which is primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, involves the use of antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection effectively. Penicillin G or V (PCN G or VK) is the standard first-line treatment. These antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, thus eradicating the infection and helping to prevent potential complications such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

While other treatments may provide symptom relief, they do not address the underlying bacterial infection. For instance, ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate throat pain but does not treat the infection itself. Phenylephrine, a decongestant, might offer temporary relief from nasal congestion but is irrelevant in the treatment of strep throat. Oral antihistamines may assist with allergy symptoms, but similarly, they do not serve a role in combating the bacterial infection associated with strep throat. Therefore, the recommendation for antibiotics such as PCN G or VK is critical for appropriate management and resolution of the infection.