Skip to Content
Print Share

Medications for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

About Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:  Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, pharyngitis is caused by inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voicebox (larynx). Tonsilitis and pharyngitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Drugs Used to Treat Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rx / OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol Reviews Rating Popularity
amoxicillin B N 16 reviews
7.0

Generic name: amoxicillin systemic

Brand names:  Amoxil, Apo-Amoxi, Moxatag, Moxilin …show all

Drug class: aminopenicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Amoxil B N 1 review
9.0

Generic name: amoxicillin systemic

Drug class: aminopenicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Azithromycin Dose Pack B N 5 reviews
7.0

Generic name: azithromycin systemic

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

azithromycin B N 55 reviews
6.0

Generic name: azithromycin systemic

Brand names:  Azithromycin Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zmax

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Zithromax B N 6 reviews
8.0

Generic name: azithromycin systemic

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray N N 4 reviews
5.0

Generic name: phenol topical

Drug class: topical anesthetics

For consumers: dosage, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

cefuroxime B N 4 reviews
9.0

Generic name: cefuroxime systemic

Brand names:  Ceftin, Zinacef

Drug class: second generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

clarithromycin C N 30 reviews
5.0

Generic name: clarithromycin systemic

Brand names:  Biaxin, Biaxin XL

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

cefdinir B N 11 reviews
5.0

Generic name: cefdinir systemic

Drug class: third generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Ceftin B N 3 reviews
9.0

Generic name: cefuroxime systemic

Drug class: second generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Penicillin VK B N 1 review
8.0

Generic name: penicillin v potassium systemic

Drug class: natural penicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

cefixime B N Add review
6.0

Generic name: cefixime systemic

Brand name:  Suprax

Drug class: third generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

cefadroxil B N Add review
10

Generic name: cefadroxil systemic

Brand name:  Duricef

Drug class: first generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Apo-Amoxi B N Add review Rate

Generic name: amoxicillin systemic

Drug class: aminopenicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

benzocaine / menthol N N Add review Rate

Generic name: benzocaine / menthol topical

Brand names:  Cepacol Sore Throat, Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lozenges

Drug class: mouth and throat products

For consumers: interactions,

Biaxin C N 1 review
2.0

Generic name: clarithromycin systemic

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Moxatag B N Add review Rate

Generic name: amoxicillin systemic

Drug class: aminopenicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Moxilin B N Add review Rate

Generic name: amoxicillin systemic

Drug class: aminopenicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

penicillin v potassium B N 5 reviews
8.0

Generic name: penicillin v potassium systemic

Brand name:  Penicillin VK

Drug class: natural penicillins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Zmax B N Add review
8.0

Generic name: azithromycin systemic

Drug class: macrolides

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

cefaclor B N Add review
2.0

Generic name: cefaclor systemic

Drug class: second generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

cefpodoxime B N Add review Rate

Generic name: cefpodoxime systemic

Drug class: third generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

phenol N N 5 reviews
6.0

Generic name: phenol topical

Brand names:  Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray, Assure Sore Throat, Cheracol Sore Throat

Drug class: topical anesthetics

For consumers:

Suprax B N Add review
6.0

Generic name: cefixime systemic

Drug class: third generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Cefzil B N 2 reviews
5.0

Generic name: cefprozil systemic

Drug class: second generation cephalosporins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Alternative treatments for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis.

Learn more about Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

Drugs.com Health Center

Legend

Rx Prescription Only
OTC Over the Counter
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over the Counter
Off Label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Browse Treatment Options

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Drugs.com Mobile Apps

The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Explore Apps
Hide