Pharyngitis

3 medicines

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat that causes soreness and pain on swallowing. Most cases are viral, but bacterial pharyngitis is treated with antibiotics.

Ceftin

Cefuroxime

250/500mg

Ceftin is a antibiotics medication containing Cefuroxime, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $3.49 / tablet View

Omnicef

Cefdinir

300mg

Omnicef is a antibiotics medication containing Cefdinir, available as 300mg tablets.

from $3.35 / tablet View

Suprax

Cefixime

100/200mg

Suprax is a antibiotics medication containing Cefixime, available as 100/200mg tablets.

from $2.18 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat, causing soreness, pain on swallowing, and sometimes fever.
  • Most cases are viral and clear on their own within a week; bacterial pharyngitis, most often from Group A streptococcus (strep throat), needs antibiotics.
  • Antibiotics such as cefixime, cefdinir, or cefuroxime clear confirmed bacterial infections and lower the risk of complications.
  • See a doctor if breathing or swallowing becomes difficult, or if a high fever persists despite treatment.

Viral vs bacterial pharyngitis

Viral pharyngitis usually comes with a runny nose, cough, and mild fever, and settles by itself. Bacterial pharyngitis, most often strep throat, is more likely when the throat looks severely red or shows white patches, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and tender, and there is no cough. Symptoms alone can be misleading, so a throat swab or rapid antigen test confirms the cause when it matters for treatment.

Antibiotic treatment

When a bacterial cause is confirmed or strongly suspected, a short course of antibiotics is standard. Cefixime and cefdinir are third-generation cephalosporins often chosen for once-daily dosing. Cefuroxime is a second-generation option that also reliably covers streptococcal infections. Finishing the full course matters: stopping early once symptoms ease is the main reason strep throat comes back.

Self-care alongside treatment

Warm salt-water gargles, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain and fever while antibiotics take effect. Resting the voice helps too, and soft, cool foods are easier to manage than anything that stings a raw throat. Most people feel noticeably better within 48 hours of starting the right antibiotic.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care promptly if breathing becomes difficult, drooling or trouble swallowing develops, or a high fever persists beyond two to three days despite treatment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.