• P Little, C Gould, I Williamson, G Warner, M Gantley, and A L Kinmonth.
• Faculty of Health, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton University.
• BMJ. 1997 Aug 9; 315 (7104): 350-2.

ObjectiveTo assess the medicalising effect of prescribing antibiotics for sore throat.Setting11 general practices in England.DesignRandomised trial of three approaches to sore throat: a 10 day prescription of antibiotics, no antibiotics, or a delayed prescription if the sore throat had not started to settle after three days.Patients716 patients aged 4 and over with sore throat and an abnormal physical sign: 84% had tonsillitis or pharyngitis.Outcome MeasuresNumber and rate of patients making a first return with sore throat, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. Early returns (within two weeks) and complications (otitis media, sinusitis, quinsy). Outcomes were documented in 675 subjects (94%).ResultsMean follow up time was similar (antibiotic group 1.07 years, other two groups 1.03 years). More of those initially prescribed antibiotics initially returned to the surgery with sore throat (38% v 27%, adjusted hazard ratio for return 1.39%, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.89). Antibiotics prescribed for sore throat during the previous year had an additional effect (hazard ratio 1.69, 1.20 to 2.37). Longer duration of illness (> 5 days) was associated with increased return within six weeks (hazard ratio 2.90, 1.70 to 4.92). Prior attendance with upper respiratory conditions was also associated with increased reattendance. There was no difference between groups in early return (13/238 (5.5%) v 27/437 (6%)), or complications (2/236 (0.8%) v 3/434 (0.7%)).ConclusionsComplications and early return resulting from no or delayed prescribing of antibiotics for sore throat are rare. Both current and previous prescribing for sore throat increase reattendance. To avoid medicalising a self limiting illness doctors should avoid antibiotics or offer a delayed prescription for most patients with sore throat.

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