Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus and does not require prescription medicine. Gargling with salt water and taking Reference over-the-counter Opens New Window pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage symptoms as the body fights off the infection. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reference Reye syndrome Opens New Window, a serious but rare problem.

An Reference 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 Reference complications, such as Reference rheumatic fever Opens New Window, that can result from untreated Reference strep throat Opens New Window.

What to think about

Cough and cold medicines may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use these medicines, check the label. Many over-the-counter remedies, including antiseptic mouthwashes, Reference decongestants, and Reference antihistamines Opens New Window, 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.^{Reference 2}

If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure you take them exactly as directed by your doctor until the medicine is gone. Even if the symptoms go away 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 (Reference antibiotic resistance Opens New Window) if prescriptions aren't taken as directed or if they are prescribed when they aren't needed.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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 Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.