Tonsillopharyngitis: evaluation of short-term treatment with cefuroxime axetil versus standard 10-day penicillin V therapy.

Recent resurgence in serious streptococcal infections and rising failure rates with the standard 10-day course of therapy with penicillin V for group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS)-associated tonsillopharyngitis (pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis) have heightened interest in alternative treatments for this infection. Reasons for failure of the standard therapy include penicillin tolerance, increased virulence of GABHS strains, inactivation by beta-lactamase, and poor compliance. Short, 4-5-day courses with oral cephalosporins, such as cefuroxime axetil, have recently proven to be effective alternatives. Cefuroxime axetil provides resolution of clinical symptoms and fever within 2.5 days of onset of therapy, and its short course of treatment may improve compliance.