
Antibiotic Shortage Persists Amidst Rising Strep Cases
Cases of strep throat are on the rise in the US, particularly among children aged 4 to 12, but there is an ongoing shortage of amoxicillin powder, a commonly used antibiotic for treating the bacterial infection. The shortage, which began in October 2022, is complicating treatment options for young children who cannot swallow pills. While alternative antibiotics exist, they may not be suitable due to resistance issues or taste. Amoxicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic in the US in 2021. Health experts urge parents to seek alternative medications if amoxicillin is unavailable to prevent untreated strep infections, which can lead to prolonged contagiousness and antibiotic resistance.


