Some antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin and cephalexin, may be indicated to help treat sore throat, helping to alleviate symptoms such as burning and stinging in the throat, fever, headache, pain or difficulty swallowing.
Sore throat can be caused by viruses or bacteria that are transmitted through contact with hands, touching the nose or mouth, touching another person, or touching objects such as doorknobs, telephones and toys, causing tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Learn about the main causes and how to treat pharyngitis.
In most cases, throat inflammation improves on its own within 3 to 5 days and does not require treatment with antibiotics. Therefore, the use of these medications is only indicated after evaluation and recommendation from a doctor to prevent complications from infections caused by bacteria, such as the presence of pus or rheumatic fever.
Antibiotics for sore throat
The main antibiotics that can be recommended for treating sore throat are:
1. Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic generally indicated to treat infections that are caused by bacteria Streptococcus A., such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
The dose and duration of treatment with amoxicillin varies according to the person’s health status, age and body weight. However, the medication recommendation for children over 40 kg and for adults is generally between 250 mg and 1000 mg, 3 times a day. Understand better how to take amoxicillin.
Who cannot use: amoxicillin is not recommended for people with allergies to the drug, as well as to penicillins or cephalosporins. In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with kidney problems or who are being treated with other medications should talk to their doctor before starting treatment with amoxicillin.
Possible side effects: The use of amoxicillin can cause some side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, redness and itching of the skin. Although there is no evidence that amoxicillin interferes with the action of contraceptives, reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting can reduce the effectiveness of these medications and, therefore, it is generally recommended to use other contraceptive methods, such as condoms, while using the antibiotic.
2. Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic found in the form of a tablet or oral suspension, and is indicated for inflammation caused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, or caused by viruses, as in the case of mononucleosis, an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes symptoms such as fever, pain and inflammation in the throat.
The dose and duration of treatment with azithromycin varies according to age and type of disease. Therefore, the recommendation can vary between 250 mg and 1000 mg per day for adults. For children, the dose must be calculated by the pediatrician according to their age and body weight. Find out how to take azithromycin.
Who cannot use: azithromycin should not be used by people who are allergic to the medicine and erythromycin. Furthermore, this medication is not recommended for people with liver and kidney diseases and heart problems.
Azithromycin should only be used during pregnancy or during breastfeeding with guidance and advice from an obstetrician.
Possible side effects: Azithromycin can cause nausea, headache, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite or excess gas.
3. Erythromycin
Erythromycin prevents the growth of bacteria, fighting respiratory infections and, therefore, is one of the options for treating throat inflammation, such as tonsillitis.
This antibiotic can be found in the form of a tablet, capsule or liquid, and is generally recommended to be taken at intervals of 6 to 12 hours, 2 to 4 times a day. However, the dose of erythromycin varies according to health status, body weight and age, and therefore it is essential to consult a doctor before using this medication.
Who cannot use: This medication is contraindicated for those allergic to erythomycin and azithromycin. People who are using other medications should talk to their doctor, as some medications can interfere with the effect of erythromycin. In addition, people with changes in heartbeat, liver disease and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also talk to a doctor before starting to use azithromycin.
Possible side effects: The most common side effects with the use of this medication are diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain or loss of appetite. Additionally, azithromycin can cause serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth and face. Know the symptoms and learn how to treat anaphylaxis.
4. Clindamycin
Being indicated to treat infections, Clindamycin is an antibiotic that reduces or prevents the growth of bacteria, being indicated for the treatment of infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis, which can cause inflammation in the throat. See what clindamycin is for and how to use it.
This medication can be found in capsule form, and the recommended dose for adults is generally 600 mg to 1800 mg per day, divided into 2, 3 or 4 equal doses. For children, the dose must be calculated by the pediatrician as it varies according to body weight.
Who cannot use: This medicine should not be used by people who are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin. Furthermore, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with liver or kidney disease, stomach or intestinal problems, should inform their doctor before starting to use this medication. Clindamycin is not recommended for people with meningitis. The use of some medications can interfere with the action of clindamycin and, therefore, must be informed to the doctor before starting treatment.
Possible side effects: The use of clindamycin can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, joint pain, heartburn or white spots inside the mouth. Furthermore, this medicine can cause a serious allergic reaction with symptoms such as blisters or peeling skin, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the throat, tongue or lips, and in these cases it is recommended to seek emergency medical care.
5. Cephalexin
Cephalexin is an antibiotic that kills and prevents the growth of bacteria, and may be used to treat inflammation in the throat that is caused by bacteria, such as pharyngitis.
This antibiotic can be found in the form of a capsule, tablet or liquid suspension and can be taken at intervals of 6 to 12 hours and the treatment lasts on average between 7 and 14 days. However, as the dose and treatment time varies according to age and inflammation, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting to use cephalexin.
Who cannot use: People with allergies to antibiotics should inform their doctor before starting to use this medication. In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with a history of seizures, diseases of the stomach, esophagus, intestine, kidney or liver, also need to inform their doctor before starting treatment with this medicine.
Possible side effects: The most common side effects that may occur with the use of cephalexin are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, agitation, dizziness and extreme tiredness. However, it is recommended to seek emergency care in case of more serious symptoms, such as bloody stools, fevers during or after treatment, skin irritation and itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and hallucinations.
