What antibiotic is best to take for a sore throat? Rules for the treatment of sore throat with antibiotics in children and adults. What antibiotics to treat sore throat in adults and children

Also commonly known as tonsillitis, it is a fairly common infectious disease. Its main feature is inflamed palatine tonsils, noticeably increased in size. Tonsillitis is one of the most common problems associated with the upper respiratory tract, along with influenza and ARVI. The surge in the widespread incidence of sore throat occurs in the autumn-spring period; this disease is less common in patients in winter or summer.

Causes of acute tonsillitis

In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent of the disease is bacteria that enter the body through contact with a carrier of the infection. He releases them in external environment during communication or through coughing.

And so, after a short incubation period the sick person begins to notice signs in himself indicating the presence of such an unpleasant illness as tonsillitis. It is necessary to find out which antibiotic to take as early as possible in order to avoid possible complications which entail tonsillitis.

Thus, the main route of transmission of the disease is airborne droplets. But the cause of the development of sore throat can also be household contacts and nutritional infestations. Endogenous infection is in a rare way tonsillitis infection. It occurs when there are sources of chronic infection in the person’s mouth or throat.

Predisposing conditions for the development of sore throat

Factors that contribute to the development of sore throat include:

  • hypothermia of the body (both general and local);
  • insufficient air humidity;
  • environmental problems;
  • deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
  • problems with nasal breathing;
  • decreased immunity;
  • acute respiratory viral disease suffered shortly before the first signs of the disease appeared.

Symptoms of a sore throat

The disease usually begins with the appearance of a headache, chills, indicating an increase in body temperature (the duration of the condition is about an hour and a half, then a high temperature is noted, up to 39 degrees), weakness in the body, aches in the joints, and painful sensations when swallowing food and even water.

The sore throat gradually becomes more noticeable. It is felt not only during swallowing, but also at rest. Its peak often occurs in the first days of the disease. A feature of purulent tonsillitis is light (white or yellowish) pustules on the tonsils. The tonsils themselves acquire a rich red color.

Other characteristic signs of angina include the following:

  • swelling of the neck;
  • swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa;
  • the appearance of rashes on the surface of the skin;
  • inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
  • abdominal pain;
  • noticeable enlargement of lymph nodes, which also become painful;
  • cough and runny nose.

Types of sore throat

Based on the characteristics of its course, tonsillitis is divided into several types:

  1. Catarrhal. This type of sore throat manifests itself in the form of acute symptoms. The tonsils are often covered with a thin mucous film. The appearance of pustules is generally not typical for this type.
  2. Necrotic. An acute inflammatory process causes severe changes in the tonsils, including tissue destruction and the appearance of ulcers.

Purulent tonsillitis is divided into two types (which antibiotics to take in both cases are described below).

  1. Lacunarnaya. The inflammatory process occurs in the lacunae. They collect pus, which forms due to necrotic changes in the tissues. As it accumulates, it reaches the surface of the tonsils, forming yellowish plugs.
  2. Follicular. In this case, the infection most actively attacks the lymph nodes. Thus, yellowish pus begins to appear on the mucous membrane of the tonsils. This is dangerous for humans due to the likelihood of abscess formation.

The above 4 types are the main ones. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms of several types of disease to be present at the same time.

Once in the body, microbes settle on the tonsils and begin to multiply. After 5 (maximum - 7) days the first serious signs diseases. The speed and intensity of development of pathology directly depend on the condition immune system person. The weaker it is, the faster and more acutely the development of the inflammatory process occurs.

You should also know that a disease for which appropriate measures have not been taken will entail the most unfavorable consequences, such as nephritis, rheumatism, abscesses and even sepsis (blood poisoning).

Consequences of negligence in the treatment of sore throat

Despite the apparent simplicity and even commonality of the disease, its treatment should not be neglected. Having started a sore throat early stage, when it is still quite simple to cure it, you can soon get not only a deterioration in the condition and a lot of additional unpleasant symptoms, but also serious complications on internal organs, including kidneys, heart and joints. Therefore, having felt the first signs of the disease, you should ask what antibiotics to take for a sore throat.

Diet

Since any type of sore throat is characterized by weakness and high fever, the patient should follow strict bed rest at least until the temperature returns to normal. During illness, food should be rich in vitamins, and drinking should be plentiful. It is allowed to drink fresh juices, still mineral water, and milk. However, foods should not be too salty, spicy, cold or hot.

Treatment

Sore throats are no joke. Having identified its signs in yourself, you should not waste time testing for own health traditional methods, which, by the way, do not give any effect. Rinsing without proper therapy will not help cure. You should also not use medications without consulting a doctor, even if you have already been treated with them, or choose medications based on the experience of friends. And even more so, you should not prescribe a course of therapy yourself, based on information read on any forum.

Only the attending physician can tell you what antibiotics to take for a sore throat. The drugs prescribed by him personally will be the most effective. The doctor will also tell you what other auxiliary medications make sense to use.

What antibiotics to take for purulent sore throat

As stated above, only qualified specialist. And self-medication is the worst enemy of recovery. However, it will not be superfluous to have a general idea of ​​which antibiotics are best to take for a sore throat.

Attempts at cure without antibiotic therapy are always fraught with risk for the patient, since events can develop in two ways: either the treatment will not give any result at all and the dangerous pathology will progress, or the patient will recover, but very slowly.

And yet, what antibiotics to take for a sore throat? Among the most commonly used drugs are Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Ceftriaxone, Zinnat, Ceffix, Erythromycin, Cefuroxime, Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Sumamed (Azithromycin). , “Benzylpenicillin”, “Klacid”, “Bioparox” and others.

"Azithromycin"

Belonging to the class of macrolides, it is a widely used drug. This drug quickly and effectively copes with microorganisms that cause not only tonsillitis, but also scarlet fever, otitis media and sinusitis. The antibiotic is taken once a day. The dose of the drug and the duration of its use by the doctor are determined individually. Side effects include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and increased liver enzymes.

"Penicillin"

Used for tonsillitis caused by bacteria. The duration of use of the drug in most cases does not exceed 10 days. Side effects of taking Penicillin are diarrhea and nausea, leading to vomiting.

If you have an allergy, instead of this antibiotic, Erythromycin is prescribed, which has no less active effect on the disease. The duration of the course, as well as the side effects, are also similar to Penicillin.

"Klacid"

It belongs to the class of macrolides. There are three release forms: tablets, powder for internal use and powder for subsequent injection. The duration of use of the drug for an adult is from six to fourteen days in the amount of 250 mg twice a day.

"Benzylpenicillin"

It is a powdered drug that is diluted and administered intramuscularly. This antimicrobial agent is used systemically, the dose is selected individually for each specific case. Probable adverse reactions for Benzylpenicillin more than for other antibiotics. These include fever, headache, skin rash and an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood.

So, with what antibiotics to take for a sore throat for an adult, everything is quite simple and clear. A special case is when a child becomes a patient, because children, as you know, get tonsillitis more often, and the course of the disease is more severe for them. As in the case of an adult patient, children’s health is also not something to joke about if you have a sore throat.

What antibiotic should a child take?

When a child is diagnosed with “acute tonsillitis”, the doctor should treat the issue of treatment as sensitively and responsibly as possible. little patient. The main question question that the specialist faces is what kind of antibiotic a child should take for a sore throat, and whether it is necessary to resort to such therapy at all, since drugs of this type are quite strong, and in in some cases may do more harm than good.

By the way, sometimes their use does not make sense at all. For example, if a diagnosis is made " viral tonsillitis". In this case, the question of what antibiotics to take for a sore throat is not worth it in principle.

Sore throat in infants

As for identifying and treating sore throat in children under one year of age, you should know that it is quite easy to confuse it with diseases with similar symptoms. And an incorrect diagnosis can have many unpleasant consequences. There is an opinion that treating tonsillitis in such young children without special drugs impossible. Therefore, there is no need to waste time. It is better to immediately call a doctor, who, if necessary, will tell you what antibiotics a baby can take for a sore throat.

Thus, having familiarized yourself with the data provided above about angina, you can be convinced that this disease is not so dangerous and is quite treatable. But only if the patient or his parents show responsibility and immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe necessary medications and will help avoid dangerous complications.

Sore throat or inflammation palatine tonsils– one with the most frequent illnesses upper respiratory tract. It most often occurs in patients childhood. Antibiotics for sore throat - the basis drug therapy if the disease is caused by bacterial pathogens.

Review of the most effective antibiotics

Antibiotics for sore throat in children and adults can not only relieve the main symptoms (sore throat, fever, general fatigue), but also prevent the development of possible complications. For acute or chronic tonsillitis, today they are mainly prescribed penicillins, macrolides and cephalosporins. All of them - effective and good antibiotics that can be used for patients of any age.

Ecomed

Ecomed is a good representative of antibacterial drugs from the macrolide family. Its active ingredient is azithromycin. The drug is available exclusively in the form for oral administration. Ecomed is widely prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Pharmacological features

The active ingredient of the drug is the most common representative of the azalide subclass. Ecomed has a bacteriostatic effect. Its molecules penetrate the cytoplasmic membranes of microbial cells and block the activity of the 50S subunit of ribosomes, which causes protein synthesis to stop. This leads to a decrease in the resistance of bacteria against the mechanisms of the immune system, and also prevents further reproduction. Azithromycin is active against most strains of staphylococci and streptococci, which most often cause the development of sore throat. At the same time, the level of microflora resistance to it remains low.

When taken orally, Ecomed is characterized by good bioavailability (the part of the drug that enters the systemic circulation). Eating does not affect the absorption of the antibiotic. The medication is distributed unevenly in the body - it has the greatest affinity for the respiratory epithelium. Here it accumulates and remains in therapeutic concentrations for another 3 days after taking the last dose of the drug.

Azithromycin molecules also penetrate into the cells of the immune system, with which they migrate to the site of inflammation. The drug is excreted from the body mainly with bile, another part of the dose is excreted in unchanged form with urine.

Contraindications for use

Ecomed can be prescribed to a child from the first year of life, as well as during pregnancy and lactation of a woman if there are appropriate indications. However, next patients Its use is strictly prohibited:

    in the presence of hypersensitivity to macrolides;

    with congenital QT segment prolongation ( increased risk development of arrhythmias);

    a sharp decrease in renal filtration;

    end stages of liver diseases.

Ecomed should be used with caution when chronic illness kidney With this pathology, more careful monitoring should be carried out regarding the development of side effects of the antibiotic.

Side effects

What side effects are possible? Most patients tolerate the use of Ecomed well. However, the following side effects have been reported in isolated cases:

    functional disorders of the digestive processes, which are manifested by nausea, vomiting, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, aching pain, diarrhea;

    allergic reactions (the appearance of a rash on the skin, the development of anaphylactic shock);

    transient increase in liver enzymes in the blood;

    development of secondary bacterial or fungal infections;

    aching headaches;

    anxiety, drowsiness, sleep disturbance, emotional lability;

    toxic hepatitis;

    joint pain that worsens with physical activity;

    quantity change shaped elements blood.

Azithromycin is prescribed with caution if the patient has cardiac arrhythmias and/or is being treated with antiarrhythmic drugs. Cases of the development of pseudomembranous colitis during therapy with Ecomed have been described. If there is the slightest suspicion of this complication, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Features of using Ecomed for sore throat

Ecomed is prescribed to an adult patient in the form of 500 mg tablets. It is necessary to take 1 tablet 1 time per day at the same time, regardless of food. The duration of treatment is usually from 3 to 7 days. If you miss a dose of the drug, the instructions advise you to take it as quickly as possible, and then continue the course of treatment as usual.

For children weighing less than 45 kg, it is better to give Ecomed in the form of 250 mg tablets. For calculation required quantity Antibiotic in a child uses a ratio of 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight. If the patient is less than 3 years old, preference is given to other azithromycin preparations in syrup form, which allow you to select an individual dosage of the antibacterial agent.

How much does Ecomed cost in a pharmacy? The approximate price of the antibacterial agent is 170 rubles per package of 3 tablets.

Fromilid

Fromilid is an antibacterial drug from the group of macrolides, the active ingredient of which is clarithromycin. The pharmacological properties of the drug are in many ways similar to azithromycin; it is also available exclusively in tablets or syrup for oral administration. However, Fromilid is characterized by a lower ability to accumulate in the respiratory epithelium of the respiratory tract, and it is almost completely eliminated from the body after 10-12 hours.

Side effects and contraindications from Fromilid are almost the same as Ecomed. Fromilid is also allowed to be used during pregnancy (except the first trimester). The approximate price of one package of the drug is

Usual dosage regimen for Fromilid bacterial sore throat for an adult – 1 tablet 500 mg 2 times a day. For children weighing less than 40 kg, emulsion is preferred. To prepare the syrup, you need to add regular purified water to the bottle. The dose for a child is calculated based on the formula 7.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is at least 5 days. The price of a package of Fromilid (14 tablets of 500 mg each) is 560-590 rubles.

Amoxiclav

Amoxiclav is a combined antibacterial drug from the group of protected penicillins. It consists of the antibiotic amoxicillin and the specific penicillinase inhibitor clavulanic acid. For the treatment of acute or chronic tonsillitis, this combination is the drug of choice.

Pharmacological properties of Amoxiclav

Amoxicillin is a synthetic antibiotic from the penicillin group with bactericidal effect against most strains of staphylococci and streptococci. The mechanism of action of the drug is as follows - its molecules attach to cell wall microbes and violate its integrity. This leads to her death. During the use of amoxicillin as a single drug, a significant part of pathogenic pathogens have learned to produce enzymes that are capable of breaking it down. Clavulanic acid prevents this process by binding these compounds. It also has additional antibacterial activity of its own.

Amoxiclav is produced exclusively for oral use. This drug is well and quickly (after about an hour) absorbed into the lumen digestive tract. The therapeutic concentration of the antibiotic in the blood remains for 6-8 hours after administration. The components of Amoxiclav are excreted partly through the glomerular system of the kidneys, partly through metabolism in the liver.

Side effects

The most common side effect of taking Amoxiclav for purulent sore throat is the development of allergic reactions. According to studies, a significant part of the human population (up to 10%) has congenital or acquired hypersensitivity to antibiotics with a beta-lactam structure. These include, in addition to penicillins, also cephalosporins, carbapenems and monobactams. However, there is cross-hypersensitivity between these drugs.

Allergy to Amoxiclav manifests itself mainly as rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, dyspeptic disorders, swelling in the neck, head, or anaphylactic shock with hemodynamic instability. Other side effects are also possible when taking the drug:

    dizziness and headache;

    dyspeptic disorders;

    inhibition of hematopoietic processes with the development of anemia, leukocytopenia (with reduced immune resistance), thrombocytopenia (increased risk of hemorrhage);

    increased concentrations of AST, ALT and bilirubin;

    fungal infection of the skin or mucous membranes;

    interstitial nephritis with impaired renal filtration and increased concentrations of creatinine and urea.

Contraindications to the use of Amoxiclav

Amoxiclav should not be prescribed if the patient has previously had an allergic reaction to any drug with a beta-lactam structure (penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, carbapenems). Also, it should not be used if there is suspicion of Infectious mononucleosis, since it leads to the development of a specific skin rash. Amoxiclav should be prescribed with caution to patients with chronic pathologies kidneys or liver.

The nuances of using Amoxiclav

Amoxiclav is allowed to be used from the first year of a child’s life. Especially for children, it is produced in the form of an emulsion with a special measuring syringe. Calculation of the antibiotic dose for specific child is produced based on the ratio of 25/6.25 mg or 45/11.25 mg (for severe tonsillitis) per 1 kg of body weight.

For adults, Amoxiclav is prescribed in the form of tablets of 875/125 mg, which are taken 2 times a day (preferably at the beginning of a meal). The duration of treatment with the drug is 5-14 days. The price of the drug in pharmacies is approximately 450 rubles.

Cefotaxime

What antibiotics are prescribed when macrolides and penicillins are ineffective? Third generation cephalosporins, among which are: cefotaxime. It is produced exclusively in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution and is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Antibiotics are used primarily for treatment severe forms tonsillitis.

Pharmacological properties of Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is a powerful antibacterial agent with a bactericidal mechanism of action against pathogenic microflora. Its compounds destroy the integrity of the cytoplasmic membranes of bacteria, causing them to die en masse. The antibiotic is characterized poor performance bioavailability, so it must be administered to the patient parenterally.

After taking cefotaxime in children, it is distributed fairly evenly in the body. Therapeutic concentrations of the drug were recorded in most tissues, including the palatine tonsils. The duration of action of the antibiotic after administration is about 12 hours. The drug is excreted from the body mainly in unchanged form with urine, and partially with bile.

Contraindications and side effects of using Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is well tolerated for all categories of patients. However, as with penicillin drugs, hypersensitivity reactions occur quite often. Among the others side effects It is necessary to note:

    functional disorders of the digestive system;

    the appearance of a red rash on the patient’s skin;

    inhibition of the processes of proliferation of blood cells;

    addition of secondary infectious pathologies;

    decreased cognitive abilities due to the administration of high doses of antibiotics;

    increased concentrations of creatinine and urea;

    inflammatory processes at the injection site of Cefotaxime.

According to the recommendations of the American FDA, cefotaxime has category B, which allows its use during pregnancy if necessary. There are also no restrictions regarding the age of the child at which you can start using an antibiotic.

The list of contraindications includes only hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics. Also, the drug should not be administered intramuscularly to children under 2.5 years of age.

Rules for the use of Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime treats sore throat in adults intravenous administration 2 times a day after 12 hours, 1 g of the drug, which is pre-dissolved in lidocaine or saline solution. Daily dose antibiotic for children is 50-100 mg per 1 kg of weight (but not more than 2 g), which is divided into 3-4 injections. Cefotaxime for angina should be given for 5 to 14 days. The cost of the antibiotic is more than 100 rubles per bottle.

How to choose the most effective antibiotic

Which antibiotic to choose? Usage antibacterial agents for tonsillitis is regulated by national and international recommendations, which are based on evidence-based medicine. According to them, only a qualified doctor can prescribe antibiotics, since self-administration of these medications has much lower effectiveness. A list of drugs that should be prescribed is also highlighted.

Before starting to use medications, you need to make sure that the inflammation of the tonsils is bacterial origin, since their share is only 30% of all cases. Prescribing antibiotics for viral sore throat completely ineffective. For this purpose, the doctor conducts a thorough examination of the patient, prescribes general tests blood, urine and bacteriological examination oropharyngeal swab. Last method It also allows you to determine which antibiotics act on pathogenic flora.

First and second line drugs

According to current recommendations, protected penicillins remain the drugs of choice for bacterial tonsillitis, and especially combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid(trade name – “Amoxiclav”, “Augmentin”). They are prescribed to all patients of any age in the absence of an allergy to the medication, as well as if they have not used penicillins for the last 3 months.

Monitoring the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy is needed 72 hours after its start. It is carried out based on the following clinical and laboratory criteria:

    normalization of body temperature (or decrease in its indicators);

    reduction in the severity of general intoxication syndrome(headache, palpitations, general weakness, restoration of appetite);

    reducing the intensity of sore throat;

    reducing the number of “purulent plugs” on the tonsils, reducing their swelling;

    normalization of the number of neutrophils and leukocytes in peripheral blood, decreased ESR(erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

If there are positive dynamics, treatment is continued with amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. IN otherwise It is better to change the antibacterial drug.

Macrolides (clarithromycin and azithromycin) are the antibiotics of choice when penicillin drugs are insufficiently effective, there are contraindications to their use, and recent use of Amoxiclav. Their advantage is that the resistance of microbial flora to these drugs is much lower, which increases the chances of successful treatment tonsillitis.

Of the macrolides, azithromycin is often preferred ( trade names– “Ecomed”, “Sumamed”, “Hemomycin”, “Azitro Sandoz”). This is due to the fact that it is enough to drink it only once a day, while the duration of the course of treatment is 2-3 days shorter due to the characteristics of pharmacodynamics. In addition, it can be taken regardless of food. These characteristics of azithromycin have made it the antibiotic of choice for many patients.

What antibiotics to take in difficult clinical situations?

In severe forms of bacterial tonsillitis, the presence accompanying pathologies, the threat of complications, recommendations are the most the best option prescribe third-generation cephalosporins intravenously. Their main representatives are ceftriaxone and ceftractam. Their advantage is wide range and systematic action on the body. However, the use of cephalosporins is prohibited for allergic reactions to penicillins due to the similar structure of the active molecule.

Reserve antibiotics for tonsillitis are lincosamides - clindamycin, lincomycin. They are prescribed when the use of other groups of antibacterial agents is ineffective, or there are contraindications to their use. Moreover, with some microbial phenotypes, cross-resistance to macrolides and lincosamides is observed. Among the adverse reactions of these drugs, it is necessary to note frequent occurrence pseudomembranous colitis.

Sore throat (acute tonsillitis) is not only discomfort in the throat, but also a source of infection in the body. Drug therapy for this disease includes taking different drugs, among which there are In this case, patients often ask doctors and pharmacists: “What antibiotics do they take for sore throat?” - fearing dysbiosis and allergic reactions caused by taking medications. But you can’t do without medications. Treatment with antibiotics reduces the likelihood of complications, which is very important in the case of an infectious disease.

Sore throat: what antibiotics can children and adults take?

Exacerbation and its acute form are caused by bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, viral particles, and ascomycete fungi. An increase in their activity leads to acute inflammation palatine tonsils and surrounding parts of the pharyngeal ring. The temperature rises, the patient feels discomfort in the throat. Swelling, redness, plaque or purulent follicles appear in the area. This picture is observed with ordinary sore throat. Its most common forms are: lacunar, follicular, catarrhal.

For tonsillitis, take medications that contain antibiotic substances:

  • penicillin;
  • cephalosporins;
  • macrolides.

Children, the pediatrician, pediatric ENT doctor decides. Doctors, when selecting medications against the causative agent of a disease for a child or adult, are guided by the results of a microbiological test (culture). Usually, the patient is not only prescribed antibiotics, but also recommended to perform concomitant medical procedures.

What antibiotics are effective for sore throat?

When choosing an antimicrobial agent, the patient should know what antibiotics they take for sore throat. You can choose a medicine not only from the latest, but also from previous generations of medicines:

  1. Penicillin series. This group includes the drugs “Amoxicillin”, “Bicillin-5”, “Ampicillin”, “Amoxiclav”. They suppress the activity of streptococci, have low toxicity to humans, and do not have a negative effect on the intestinal microflora.
  2. Cephalosporin antibiotics, like penicillin antibiotics, are effective in treating catarrhal tonsillitis. Drugs in this class: Cefuroxime (Axetin, Zinnat), Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, Cefadroxil.
  3. Macrolides are used in the treatment different forms tonsillitis. Their toxicity to humans is lower than that of other antibacterial agents. Drugs in this group: “Erythromycin”, “Midecamycin”, “Spiramycin”. A good antibiotic for sore throat is Azithromycin (equivalent to Sumamed).

How to take antibiotics for tonsillitis?

It must be taken into account that cephalosporins are also possible. These antimicrobial drugs are used with caution by patients suffering from liver and kidney diseases. The important question is not only what antibiotics to take for a sore throat. There is also the problem of taking a course of medications. If medications are used for less than 5-10 days, the pathogens remain in active form. It is also necessary to follow the order specified in the instructions for the drug: before meals, during or after meals.

For angina, in addition to the antibacterial form, concomitant therapy is necessary. This concept includes gargling with solutions medicines and herbal tinctures, the use of inhalations and compresses.

When a doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs, many people cancel the drug on their own because they believe that antibiotics have a negative effect on the body and do more harm than good. In part, this solution is correct and it is possible that it may occur. For some diseases, antibacterial therapy can be avoided and cured by the immune system, but not in the case of sore throat.

Sore throat is a viral or bacterial disease in which inflammation of the tonsils occurs. When diagnosing of this disease adults are immediately prescribed antibiotic treatment, regardless of the degree and form of the disease, since if not treated, in most cases complications arise in the form of otitis media, rheumatism and impaired renal function.

If you suspect a sore throat, you should not start taking medications on your own, since only after diagnosis and tests can the doctor determine the form of the sore throat and prescribe necessary medications. Many people are interested in which antibiotics are best to take to treat a sore throat, so that they are not only effective, but also as safe as possible for the body.

Antibacterial drugs are taken according to the schedule and certain rules, the reception should occur at the same time. Indiscriminate use leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of bacteria to the drug. In the future, if necessary antibacterial treatment, this antibiotic will be powerless.

Depending on the drug and the doctor's prescription, antibiotics are taken 1-3 times a day at regular intervals. It should be taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after, this will help the drug be better absorbed into the blood. Each tablet intake should be accompanied by drinking enough water.

Each drug has an annotation that indicates how many times a day the medicine must be taken, but only the attending physician will be able to select the dosage as accurately as possible, based on the characteristics of the disease.

Treatment for sore throat

Sore throat is most often accompanied severe pain in the throat, swelling and redness of the tonsils, sometimes in the neck, enlarged lymph nodes. With the development of purulent tonsillitis, tonsils are found purulent plugs, and often the disease occurs with a high temperature, the patient feels weak, and a headache may appear. With this course, it is very important to start treatment with antibiotics on time, since often untreated tonsillitis leads to its re-development, but the new treatment will last much longer.

The main indication for starting antibiotics for sore throat is viral etiology there is a risk of developing a bacterial infection, as well as an attack on the microflora of the mucous surface of the throat. When the virus penetrates the mucous membrane, activation occurs normal microflora in the tonsils, which further triggers the process of proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

When prescribing treatment independently, there is a risk of transition acute form sore throat in chronic tonsillitis, which can affect the condition of the joints and disruption of the heart.

When should you start taking antibiotics?

There are certain conditions when you need to start antibiotic therapy immediately:

  • in the presence of purulent plugs on the tonsils;
  • at elevated temperatures for more than 2 days;
  • sore throat, redness and plaque are not accompanied by cough and runny nose;
  • pain in the neck; palpation reveals enlarged lymph nodes.

If such conditions occur, the doctor may begin treatment with antibiotics without waiting for test results. In this case, a doctor’s experience is needed, since it is important not to confuse common cold with a sore throat, because antibacterial therapy It is powerless against viruses.

What antibiotics to take for a sore throat

Antibiotics for the treatment of sore throat can be prescribed in the form of injections and tablets. For the treatment of tonsillitis in adults, the following types of drugs are prescribed:

  • Penicillins: Ampicillin, Ampiox, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, etc.;
  • Macrolides: Sumamed, Azithromycin, Rulid;
  • Tetracyclines: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Macropen;
  • Fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Pefloxacin;
  • Cephalosporins: , Cephalexin, Cifran.

Depending on the form and severity of angina, they are prescribed different kinds antibacterial drugs.

Penicillins

Penicillins are prescribed when streptococci are detected in a patient with tonsillitis. In this case, adults are prescribed the drug in injections during treatment in a hospital, with home treatment Preferably prescribed in tablet form. Penicillin for angina is taken 1 tablet every 6 hours for 10 days.

The disadvantages of penicillin antibiotics include the frequent occurrence of allergic reactions, in approximately 6-7% of patients. Therefore, doctors most often prescribe Amoxicillin, since the antibiotic is aimed at destroying large quantity pathogenic bacteria that cause the development of tonsillitis. This drug is one of the most effective, has no harsh effects on the body and has a minimal list of side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. This symptomatology occurs quite rarely, because this type the drug has no effect strong influence on intestinal microflora.

In severe cases of sore throat, accompanied by high fever, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are prescribed, which prevent the antibiotic from being destroyed by stomach enzymes, which gives a better effect.

Antibacterial drugs should not be taken uncontrolled, as this can provoke the development of dysbacteriosis and allergies.

Macrolides

This group The drug is intended only for the treatment of adults, has a prolonged effect, therefore it is most often prescribed to those who are forced to suffer from a disease on their legs. The course of treatment with macrolides is 3 days, 1 tablet per day, at the same time.

When diagnosing staphylococcal tonsillitis, macrolides are chosen for treatment, for example the drug Erythromycin.

Cephalosporins

This group of antibiotics is prescribed for severe course sore throat caused by coccal infection. Sore throat often occurs in purulent form– lacunar and follicular, redness and severe inflammation tonsils

Cephalosporins can be prescribed in tablets and injections. Since the drug is eliminated from the blood rather slowly, this allows you to take the medicine 2 times a day. One of effective medicines This group includes Cefipime and Cefpir - new generation antibiotics. But it is necessary to take into account that they must be taken for the treatment of tonsillitis with caution due to the uncertainty of the occurrence of side effects after administration.

At elevated temperatures, patients are prescribed Cephalexin or Cifran. Along with antibiotics, it is necessary to take probiotics, since this group of antibiotics negatively affects the beneficial intestinal microflora.

Carbapenems

Carbapenems are different increased activity and are prescribed for severe sore throat. This group of antibiotics helps to cope with gram-negative and gram-positive microflora, as well as spore-forming anaerobes.

The drugs are prescribed by injection and only after other types of antibiotics have been powerless and have not yielded results in treatment, as well as in high risk development of sepsis. These drugs include Imipenem and Meropenem.

What are the most effective antibiotics for sore throat?

Select one from the entire list effective antibiotic difficult, since each of them is aimed at solving various situations, treatment different severity flow, form and type of pathogen. If for one form of sore throat the antibiotic is effective and the disease begins to recede on the first day, then for another form the same drug may be useless and ineffective. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to find out what pathogen provoked tonsillitis; for this, doctors prescribe a series of tests.

In the normal course of angina, drugs of a number of penicillins are most often prescribed, due to the good therapeutic effect and high efficiency. In addition, penicillins do not have a strong negative influence on the body, with minimal side effects. For example, Amoxicillin is one of the most common and the best drugs, even if the patient is allergic to penicillins, this drug rarely causes allergic reaction, after treatment, lasting results will remain. If, however, a rash, red spots, itching and suffocation appear against the background of this drug, other effective antibacterial drugs are prescribed: Cephalexin, Sumamed, Clarithromycin, Augmentin.

It is forbidden to self-prescribe medications or interrupt the course immediately after the condition improves. In any case, the antibiotic must be taken strictly according to the instructions, usually the course is at least 7 days, since in less time the drug will not have time to destroy the pathogenic infection.

How to choose an antibiotic?

Before prescribing an antibiotic, the specialist prescribes a swab on the tank, culture of the tonsils, pharynx and back wall pharynx, this makes it possible to determine the pathogen and prescribe correct treatment, since pathogenic bacteria have different sensitivities to antibacterial drugs. Also, such an analysis will help to exclude a disease of an infectious nature - diphtheria.

The purpose of the analysis for tank culture is very important stage in treatment, because in treatment ineffective drugs Not only is time lost, but health also deteriorates due to the negative effects of sore throat, as well as from repeated use of other antibiotics.

For example, for the treatment of sore throat caused by the herpes virus, antiviral drugs, in this case, antibacterial therapy may not be needed at all. If the reason was bacterial infection, then you cannot do without the use of antibiotics. If a sore throat is caused by a fungus, then medications are prescribed aimed at destroying microorganisms of the genus Candida.

If incorrect and long-term treatment antibiotics, side effects may appear, and sometimes even complications: kidney disease, myocarditis ( inflammatory disease heart), arthrosis, arthritis, meningitis, and the most dangerous thing that can develop is blood poisoning or sepsis.

Why is it necessary to treat sore throat with antibiotics?

Before you stop taking antibiotics, you need to know that short-term use of drugs can cause much harm. less harm, what not to treat a sore throat, which at first glance does not pose a danger.

Timely appointment allows you to:

  • exclude the development of purulent-inflammatory processes;
  • prevent complications such as acute rheumatic fever;
  • reduce symptoms: decrease in temperature, improvement general condition and elimination of headaches;
  • reduces the risk of infecting nearby people with a bacterial infection;
  • reduces the risk of developing complications of internal organs.

If the pathogen has developed resistance to the drug, the patient may not experience any improvement for 3 days: high fever, headache, lethargy, purulent plugs on the tonsils, etc. In this case, the doctor should replace the drug with a more effective one.

Besides antibiotics

When diagnosing a sore throat, in addition to antibacterial drugs, you must follow simple rules that will help you cope with the disease as quickly as possible. Necessary:

  1. Maintain bed rest. It is not recommended to carry a sore throat on your feet, because this is fraught with consequences. In addition, sleep is very important when you are sick; it will help you restore strength, relieve headache and reduce irritation.
  2. Decrease in temperature. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you must take an antipyretic.
  3. Gargle. For any form of sore throat, it is important to make solutions from salt and soda, or use a decoction of calendula or chamomile to gargle every hour. Chlorhexidine and chlorhexidine can be purchased at the pharmacy for this purpose.
  4. Abundant drinking regime. Because of high temperature the body loses a lot of fluid, which needs to be replenished with warm fruit drinks and herbal teas. Also for sore throat drinking plenty of fluids will help remove bacteria and their breakdown products killed by antibiotics as quickly as possible.

When treating acute tonsillitis, it is necessary to take ascorbic acid and vitamin B, which will help strengthen the immune system, and antihistamines– to reduce laryngeal edema (Clemastine, Loratalin).

It is worth knowing that antibiotics are not suitable for the treatment of fungal diseases, including sore throat, since taking them can only aggravate the situation, so antibiotics are prescribed only after taking a culture, determining the general condition and dynamics of the disease.

How long to take antibiotics for a sore throat

The course of taking antibacterial agents for tonsillitis depends on the form and severity of the disease, usually no more than 10 days when using penicillin medications, and no more than 5 days when treating with macrolides. A few days after using antibiotics, patients note an improvement in their well-being, which in some cases is perceived by the patient as complete cure. But this is not so, the drug first relieves unpleasant symptoms, only then begins its active work against the pathogen. With abrupt withdrawal of medications, the growth of bacteria increases, which leads to an even greater deterioration of the condition and re-treatment. Such incorrect actions can develop chronic tonsillitis.

There are drugs that last only 3-5 days, since they have a prolonged effect and the accumulated substances continue to fight pathogens even after stopping use.

Therefore, if you feel better after a few days, the course of treatment must be continued for the period prescribed by the doctor. If there is no improvement, a repeat analysis is performed and another drug is prescribed.

Requires antibiotics. The problem is that in last years All large quantity types of pathogens are resistant (resistant) to the action of antibacterial drugs, therefore, when prescribing these drugs, it is necessary to be guided by certain principles:

  • prescribe an antibacterial drug (ABP) only when indicated;
  • considering pharmacological properties drug, use it in the right dose course of the required duration;
  • choose an antibiotic taking into account antibiotic resistance in the region of residence;
  • do not use ineffective and low-quality products;
  • the effect of treatment should be assessed three days after the start of therapy;
  • clearly explain to the patient the regimen of ABP use, its dosage, possible unwanted effects, and also inform about the dangers of self-medication.

Classification of antibiotics prescribed for angina

For the treatment of sore throat and acute bacterial infections, the following groups of antibiotics are used:

  1. β-lactams:
    1. penicillins: natural (phenoxymethylpenicillin); semisynthetic (ampicillin); inhibitor-protected (amoxiclav);
    2. cephalosporins (cephalexin, cefixime).
  2. Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, josamycin).
  3. Lincosamides (clindamycin, lincomycin).

Let's take a closer look at which ABPs are best used for angina in different clinical situations.

Antibiotics for sore throat in adults

Flemoxin Solutab

Acute tonsillitis ( catarrhal sore throat) is most often treated with the following drugs:

  • amoxicillin (Amosin, Flemoxin Solutab, Hiconcil, Evobol);
  • phenoxymethylpenicillin.

Second-line drugs prescribed in case of ineffectiveness or intolerance of the drugs of choice are:

  • cephalexin (Ecocephron);
  • benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin-1);
  • josamycin (Vilprafen);
  • azithromycin (Azivok, Azidrop, Azimicin, Azitral, Azitrox, Azithrus, Zetamax retard, Zi-factor, Zitnob, Zitrolide, Zitrocin, Sumaclid, Sumamed, Sumamox, Sumatrolide solution tablets, Tremak sanovel, Hemomycin, Ecomed);
  • clarithromycin (Arvicin, Zimbaktar, Kispar, Klabax, Clarbakt, Claritrosin, Claritsin, Klasine, Klatsid, Clerimed, Klater, Lekoklar, Romiklar, Seydon-sanovel, SR-Klaren, Fromilid, Ecositrin);
  • clindamycin;
  • cefixime (Ixim lupine, Pancef, Suprax, Cemidexor, Ceforal solutab).

The duration of the course is 10 days, even if the symptoms of the disease disappeared earlier (normally on the second or third day). For azithromycin, the course duration is 5 days.

Purulent or recurrent tonsillitis caused by group A streptococci requires the use of amoxicillin clavulanate (Amoxiclav, Arlet, Augmentin, Bactoclav, Verklav, Medoclav, Panclave, Ranclave, Rapiclav, Flemoclav Solutab, Ecoclave).

Second-line drugs for the treatment of purulent tonsillitis:

  • cefuroxime (Axosef, Zinnat, Zinoximor, Cetyl lupine);
  • cefixime;
  • lincomycin (Ekolinkom);
  • clindamycin.

The course of therapy lasts from 10 days to 2 weeks.

We list in detail trade names medications, since the doctor can only recommend international generic name. After receiving a prescription, it is better to check in advance on pharmacy websites which of the analogue drugs is right for you in price.

When it comes to quality, it is believed that original drug, developed by the manufacturer, is always more effective than its generics (analogs). Although official medicine states the opposite: all drugs that have one active substance, are identical in efficiency.

The dosage and frequency of taking the medicine is determined by the doctor. He also evaluates the effectiveness of treatment 48–72 hours after taking the first dose of the medicine. We will talk about the side effects of ABP below.

Antibiotics for sore throat in children


Only a doctor prescribes antibiotics to a child.

ABPs for acute tonsillitis should be prescribed only if the disease is bacterial in nature.

There are special criteria by which the doctor decides whether to use ABP or not. Thus, ABPs are prescribed if three or more of the following criteria are present:

  • temperature more than 38 degrees;
  • no cough;
  • soreness of the cervical lymph nodes;
  • swelling of the palatine tonsils;
  • age from 3 to 15 years.

Drugs of choice:

  • amoxicillin;
  • phenoxymethylpenicillin.

Second line drugs:

  • cephalexin;
  • josamycin;
  • azithromycin;
  • clarithromycin;
  • cefixime

The duration of treatment is 10 days, for azithromycin - 5 days.

When treating children, you need to take into account: many of the antibiotics have special soluble forms (powders, dispersible tablets) with pleasant taste, which makes them easier to use for children.

Antibiotics for sore throat in pregnant women

Of the drugs listed above, you can use the following:

  • penicillins;
  • cephalosporins;
  • inhibitor-protected penicillins;
  • macrolides, with the exception of clarithromycin;
  • lincosamides (clindamycin, lincomycin).

Thus, for sore throat in a pregnant woman, the doctor can prescribe all the same drugs as for other groups of the population, except for clarithromycin. The dosage, frequency of administration, and duration of treatment do not change.

Side effects of antibiotics used to treat sore throat

Adverse events when using ABP can be divided into two groups: frequent, but not dangerous, and rare, but threatening for life.

Frequent complications of antibiotic therapy

For all beta-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins) and macrolides, the most common unwanted reactions are dyspeptic disorders: abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.

Penicillins, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cephalosporins, macrolides can cause dizziness and.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate, cephalosporins, macrolides may change parameters biochemical analysis blood, causing an increase in the concentration of “liver tests” - transaminases.

After taking amoxicillin, you may experience skin rashes, which are often mistaken for allergies: “ampicillin rash.” This phenomenon does not require a prescription antihistamines. It often develops in children.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate in some cases disrupts the processes of bile secretion from the liver, causing its stagnation and inflammation: cholestatic hepatitis.

Some patients take cephalosporins without changing their appearance.

Macrolides can cause bloating and drowsiness.

One of the frequent side effects after taking lincosamides there is inflammation in the oral cavity: and glossitis.

All these side effects, although they occur frequently, do not cause harm to health. For their disappearance, it is most often enough to stop taking ABP and consult a doctor to change the medication. But there are other, much rarer, but very serious side effects after taking antibiotics.

Severe complications after antibiotic treatment

Any β-lactams can cause anaphylactic shock: a rapidly developing allergic reaction characterized by respiratory failure, sudden, increased heart rate, and impaired consciousness. With absence quick help anaphylaxis leads to the death of the patient.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate and macrolides have potential toxic effect on the liver, so their use is limited in people with disease of this organ (hepatitis,).

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin/clavulanate and cephalosporins can cause severe intolerance reactions - Lyell's and Steven-Johnson syndromes. Signs of Lyell's syndrome: against the background elevated temperature body appears first small rash and then blisters on the skin. They open with the formation of large erosions. At the same time, internal organs are affected. Without help, the patient may die.

Steven-Johnson syndrome is accompanied by the formation of blisters on the wall oral cavity, mucous membranes of the eyes, other areas, their rapid opening with the formation of painful erosions. Both of these syndromes are allergic in nature, develop very quickly, and require emergency medical care. When the first signs of blisters appear on the skin or mucous membranes during the treatment of ALD, you should immediately call a doctor.

Cephalosporins and lincosamides can inhibit hematopoiesis, reducing the content of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets in the blood. Accordingly, this manifests itself as decreased immunity and bleeding.

Macrolides are capable of changing the electrical properties of the myocardium (heart muscle), causing conditions for the development of ventricular tachycardia. This sudden disturbance in rhythm can lead to the death of the patient. Macrolides are contraindicated for prolonged QT interval on the electrocardiogram.

All of the listed ABPs, to one degree or another, affect the normal microflora of the body located in the oral cavity, intestines, and genitals. Therefore, when using them, complications such as vaginal or oral candidiasis(""). The development of pseudomembranous colitis is also possible - excessive proliferation of the microorganism Clostridium Difficile in the intestine against the background of suppression of normal microflora. The disease manifests itself as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vascular insufficiency.

Thus, ABPs are not harmless drugs. When prescribing them, the doctor evaluates many factors that influence the success and safety of treatment, which the patient himself may not be aware of. Self-treatment antibiotics are very dangerous.


Antibiotics for topical use

ABPs applied topically to the tonsil area are largely devoid of severe side effects. They are used in lower concentrations, which reduces the risk of complications. By directly affecting the source of infection, such drugs are quite effective.

Most of the sprays, lozenges and other forms available on the market local application do not contain antibiotics, but antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic components. They can be successfully used in complex therapy tonsillitis. But there are also antibiotic preparations for local treatment of pharynx diseases:

  • Gramicidin C;
  • Grammidin;
  • Bioparox.

Gramicidin C is an antibiotic that acts on streptococci, staphylococci and other pathogens of sore throat. It is available in the form of buccal (cheek) tablets and, when absorbed, has an active effect on the tonsils. The medicine is well tolerated, only occasionally causing local irritation or allergic reactions.