Adherence to physicians' instructions as a factor in managing streptococcal pharyngitis.

Adherence to physicians' instructions, including taking medications as prescribed, is essential for the proper treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis and the prevention of rheumatic fever. Nonadherence can be in many forms, including failure to have prescriptions filled, omission of doses, errors in dosing or administration time, and premature discontinuation of medication. Adherence is dependent on the physician, the patient, the illness, and the medication. Proper communication by the physician and prescribing inexpensive medications that can be taken once or twice daily are simple, yet important actions that improve adherence.