Sore throats are painful and sometimes hurt with every breath you take. Having a sore throat can even make it difficult to swallow food or drink. Viruses, bacteria, pollution, allergies or smoking,\ can cause sore throats. Antibiotics are appropriate when a throat is sore due to a bacterial infection.


Tonsillitis and strep throat are the most common throat infections. The symptoms of these are headache, fever, sore throat, swollen red tonsils, pain when you swallow, white patches on your tonsils or throat, and swollen glands in your jaw or throat. Vomiting and stomach pain can also be present with strep throat and tonsillitis, but this is more common in children.


Antibiotics are drugs that deteriorate or kill bacteria. Two of the most common antibiotics used for strep throat and tonsillitis are penicillin and erythromycin. These are useful when the doctor suspects Streptococcus or another bacteria hindered by these drugs.


The doctor will probably recommended bed rest, plenty of fluids and over- the- counter pain relievers for your throat infection along with the antibiotic. It is extremely important that the entire bottle of antibiotics be taken whether it is a seven- or 10-day prescription. Otherwise, the infection will just weaken and eventually return. Sometimes you will have recurrent infections even if you follow all the doctors orders, a tonsillectomy may be necessary in this case.


Taking erythromycin with the drug Lovastatin could cause muscle wasting and kidney damage. Combining it with other drugs may cause the effectiveness to vary, so always make sure your doctor is aware of other medications you may be taking.

Penicillin causes severe allergies in some people, specifically those who are allergic to cephalosporins. Be sure your doctor is aware if this is the case; there are other antibiotics he can recommend. Penicillin can make birth control-pills less effective, so you may need to use another form while you are on this antibiotic.


Epiglottitis is another throat infection. Although it is rare, it can be life threatening according to the website. The infection affects a part of the larynx and can cause the airway to close. Prompt emergency medical attention is necessary. Symptoms of epiglottitis are drooling, muffled speech and extreme pain when swallowing. The patient may also have difficulty breathing. Hospitalization and treatment with an antibiotic are necessary.