Tonsillitis
Medications
Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus and does not require prescription medicine. Gargling with salt water and taking over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage symptoms as the body fights off the infection. Do not give aspirin to anyone age 20 years or younger because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
An antibiotic, usually penicillin, is used to treat tonsillitis caused by strep bacteria.
Although tonsillitis caused by strep bacteria usually will go away on its own, antibiotics are used to prevent the complications, such as rheumatic fever, that can result from untreated strep throat.
Medication Choices
Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are used to treat tonsillitis caused by strep bacteria.
What To Think About
Many over-the-counter remedies, including antiseptic mouthwashes, decongestants, and antihistamines, contain extra ingredients that don't relieve discomfort. These remedies are not recommended for children, as these ingredients have not been proved to have any benefits in the treatment of acute tonsillitis.2 Don't give cough and cold medicines to your young child unless you've checked with the doctor first. They can be harmful to children. Experts say not to give them to children younger than 2.
If antibiotics are prescribed, it is very important to take them exactly as directed by your doctor until the medicine is gone. Even if the symptoms disappear completely before the prescription is gone, all pills should be taken as directed to make sure the infection is completely destroyed. Bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat tonsillitis (antibiotic resistance) if prescriptions aren't taken as directed or if they are prescribed when they aren't necessary.
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: December 10, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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