Tonsillitis refers to an inflammation of the tonsils, paired tissues located in the back of the throat. Tonsillitis symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a fever, chills and a loss of the voice, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes, tonsillitis leads to white patches on the tonsils and a sore throat. Fortunately, medications for tonsillitis exist.
Penicillin
Penicillin, commonly sold as PC Pen VK or Pen-V, is an antibiotic medication that kills bacteria. It destroys bacterial cell walls and this leads to the demise of tonsillitis, according to Drugs.com. Some of penicillin's common side effects include vomiting, nausea, vaginal itching and white patches in the mouth or throat. Some of its serious side effects include confusion, agitation, watery or bloody diarrhea, decreased urination and abnormal thoughts or behavior. Notify a physician when penicillin leads to these effects. Avoid taking penicillin especially if you are allergic to such medications as ampicillin, dicloxacillin or carbanicillin. Also, suffering from such diseases as asthma, kidney disease or a bleeding or clotting disorder may require a change in penicillin's dose. Penicillin is available as a liquid, tablet or injection given daily or as prescribed.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, commonly sold as Excedrin, Tylenol or Anacin, is a medication designed to relieve the pain from such medical conditions as tonsillitis, muscle aches and menstrual periods. Specifically, it belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics and antipyretics. It alters the way in which the body perceives pain. Some of acetaminophen's serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash, hives and swelling of the tongue, throat or face, according to MedlinePlus. Go to the emergency room when acetaminophen leads to these effects. Taking carbamazepine, warfarin or phenytoin may require a change in acetaminophen's dose. Acetaminophen is a tablet, liquid or capsule taken daily or as indicated.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin, commonly sold as Ery-Tab, EryPed or PCE Dispertab, is another antibiotic medication given to treat tonsillitis. Specifically, this medication is given to people who are allergic to penicillin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that eliminates any bacteria from the body, according to Drugs.com. Its less concerning side effects include dizziness, a headache, vomiting, nausea and vaginal itching or discharge. Erythromycin's serious side effects include watery or bloody diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain and dark urine. Call a doctor if erythromycin leads to these effects. Suffering from myasthenia gravis or liver disease may require a change in erythromycin's dose. Erythromycin is a pill or liquid taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
