Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Azithromycin and Amoxicillin in Treating Acute Tonsillitis in Pediatric Patients in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics
Hamad Abdulaziz AlSubaie Abdulaziz AlSubaie
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Abstract
AbstractAcute tonsillitis remains a prevalent condition among pediatric patients, often managed within family medicine outpatient settings. Azithromycin and amoxicillin are widely prescribed antibiotics, yet their comparative effectiveness remains a topic of clinical interest. This systematic review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies evaluating the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of azithromycin versus amoxicillin in pediatric acute tonsillitis. The analysis, drawn from 20 studies adhering to PRISMA guidelines, indicates both antibiotics are generally effective; however, azithromycin offers better compliance due to shorter treatment duration, while amoxicillin demonstrates superior bacteriological eradication. These insights can guide evidence-based prescribing practices in primary care.IntroductionAcute tonsillitis is a common childhood illness characterized by inflammation of the tonsils, primarily due to bacterial or viral pathogens. In family medicine outpatient clinics, it represents a significant portion of pediatric consultations 1. Antibiotic therapy is frequently employed, especially when bacterial etiology, notably Group A Streptococcus, is suspected 2. Azithromycin and amoxicillin are two commonly prescribed antibiotics. While both demonstrate efficacy, their pharmacokinetic profiles, spectrum of activity, dosing regimens, and tolerability differ 3,4. This systematic review aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of azithromycin and amoxicillin in managing acute tonsillitis in pediatric patients within family medicine contexts.
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Copyright © 2025 Hamad Abdulaziz AlSubaie. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.