The tonsils are small circular organs present in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They prevent the microorganisms from entering the body. Inflammation of tonsils is known as tonsillitis. The National Guideline Clearinghouse recommends antibiotics for tonsillitis patients whose laboratory tests clearly indicate streptococcal infection or for non-streptococcal patients with severe symptoms. The antibiotics are usually administered orally but may be given once by injection if the symptoms are severe.
Penicillin
The latest guidelines issued by the National Guideline Clearinghouse recommend a 10-day oral course of penicillin V as the first line of treatment for tonsillitis. Penicillin resistance among bacteria, especially streptococcus, is on rise and a recent review of treatment given to 11,246 children by doctors at the 2005 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy has revealed that a short course of the newer drugs is more effective than the traditional 10-day dose of the older antibiotics.
Another disadvantage of penicillin treatment is that 0.7 to 10 percent individuals are allergic to penicillin, as reported by Dr. Allen Adinof in a 2002 study published in the "Pediatrics Journal." Penicillin allergies are characterized by hives, rash, itchy skin, wheezing, and swollen lips, tongue or face.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a modified form of penicillin and, according to the Montana State University, a six-day oral course of amoxicillin is as effective as penicillin to treat tonsillitis. Amoxicillin is available in capsule and suspension form and is given orally two to three times a day. Individuals allergic to penicillin are also allergic to amoxicillin. Other side effects include upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.
Cephalosporins
First generation cephalosporins, such as cefadroxil and cephalexin, are the used to treat tonsillitis in patients who are allergic to penicillin. In a study published in the April 2004 edition of "Pediatrics," Dr. Janet R. Casey states that although penicillin is inexpensive and recommended by many treatment guidelines, oral cephalosporins are more effective than oral penicillin for treating tonsillitis, especially in children.
Cephalosporins are usually prescribed for seven to 10 days. The common side effects include diarrhea, oral sores, fatigue and skin rash.
References
- National Guideline Clearinghouse: Sore Throat and Tonsillitis
- Science Daily: Penicillin, Amoxicillin: Step Aside For Strep Throat Treatment
- "Pediatrics"; Anaphylaxis in the United States: An Investigation Into Its Epidemiology; Allen Adinoff; August 2002
- Evidence-Based Medicine for Student Health Services: Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
- "Pediatrics"; Meta-analysis of Cephalosporin Versus Penicillin Treatment of Group A Streptococcal Tonsillopharyngitis in Children; Janet R. Casey and Michael E. Pichichero; April 2004
