Can i take penicillin for a sore throat

The bacteria that most commonly cause sore throat are streptococci. Infection with streptococcal bacteria is commonly called strep throat. Sore throat can also be caused by irritants such as air that is low in humidity, smoking, air pollution, excessive yelling, postnasal drip caused by allergies, and breathing through the mouth.

Injury to the back of the throat and stomach acid backing up into the throat and mouth are other causes of sore throat. Although sore throat affects people of all ages, children aged 5 to 15 years, smokers, allergy sufferers, and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

Sore throat symptoms are easily recognized. Your throat hurts and is irritated, swollen, or scratchy. Pain increases when you swallow. You may also have tenderness in your neck.

Other symptoms that are commonly associated with sore throat are listed in Table 1. The next time I get a sore throat, I'm going to try just staying home, resting, and taking care of myself instead of taking antibiotics. My 8-year-old daughter got strep throat last month. I thought it was just a cold, and I kept her home from school for a few days.

But she wasn't getting better and she felt so miserable. I was also worried about ear infections. She gets a lot of those too. The doctor did a strep test and suggested she take antibiotics. Amy started feeling better a few days later. I think antibiotics were the right way to go this time. My insurance doesn't pay for all of my medicines, so I try to make sure I really need the ones I do take. The last time I had a bad cold, my throat got really sore.

The pain made it hard for me to swallow. I called my doctor's office and the nurse said I could come in if I felt I needed a prescription. I thought I'd wait and see instead. I took ibuprofen and drank a lot of tea and honey, and in a few days I felt better.

I'm glad I didn't spend the money on a doctor visit and medicine. I'm pretty healthy most of the time, but this past winter I got sick. I was down for 3 or 4 days. It turns out I had an infection in my throat and tonsils. The doctor thought I should take antibiotics because of my age and health. And I wanted to get over it as soon as possible so I could go back to my volunteer job at the local hospital. I think the medicine helped me get back on my feet just a little sooner than if I hadn't taken it.

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. I want to take medicine even if there's only a chance it will help me get well faster. I'm worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection.

I'm not worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection. I've had a sore throat for more than a week, and it's not getting better. Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. I may not want to take medicine if it won't help me get well faster. Do antibiotics work if a sore throat is caused by a virus, such as a cold?

Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Get the facts. Your options Take antibiotics for a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection. Don't take antibiotics. It can make breathing easier and relieve a runny nose and post-nasal drip, which can make your throat hurt. You can take it as a pill or as a nasal spray. Before you use this medicine, check the label. It may not be safe for young children or for people with certain health problems.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Why might your doctor recommend taking antibiotics for a sore throat? Your doctor will do a throat culture or a rapid strep test to find out if you have strep throat. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics. Compare Option 2 Take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics. Take antibiotics Take antibiotics You take an antibiotic, usually penicillin, for as long as your doctor prescribes.

Or you may get a single shot of penicillin. You take the full course of medicine, even if you start to feel better. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, such as with strep throat, antibiotics will shorten the time you are able to spread the infection to others. The medicine may lower the risk of the bacterial infection spreading to other parts of your body, such your ears or sinuses.

The medicine can also prevent serious but rare problems from strep throat, such as rheumatic fever in children. Antibiotics won't work for a sore throat caused by a virus. Side effects of antibiotics can include diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. They may not make you well faster. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.

Don't take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics You try home treatment for your sore throat. You can: Gargle with salt water. Take over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

If your sore throat is caused by a virus, it will likely go away on its own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, it will likely go away on its own in 3 to 7 days. You save money on medicine. You don't have the side effects from antibiotics.

If your sore throat is caused by a virus, there are no risks or side effects of not taking antibiotics. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria: You may be sick a day or so longer than if you do take antibiotics. You have a higher risk of the infection spreading to other parts of your body, such as your ears or sinuses.

You could make other people around you sick if you are still contagious. Personal stories about taking antibiotics for sore throat These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.

What matters most to you? Reasons to take antibiotics for a sore throat Reasons not to take antibiotics for a sore throat. I'm not worried about the risk of taking antibiotics too often. I'm worried about the risks of taking antibiotics too often. I've had a sore throat for just a few days. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts. Yes You're right. No Sorry, that's not right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. Yes Sorry, that's not right. No You're right. Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics. On This Page. The most common type of sore throat is caused by a virus and is not strep throat. Only 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat. Only about 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat.

Close A healthy throat and a sore throat, including uvula and tongue, showing inflamed tonsils. When to Seek Medical Care See a doctor if you or your child have symptoms of strep throat. Also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following: Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing Blood in saliva or phlegm Excessive drooling in young children Dehydration Joint swelling and pain Rash This list is not all-inclusive.

Treatment A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children. Pain relievers: Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen. Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to.

Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Prevention You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands.