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Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx). Most cases are viral and resolve on their own within a week, but bacterial pharyngitis, most often caused by Group A streptococcus, benefits from antibiotic treatment to clear the infection and reduce the risk of complications.

Omnicef

Cefdinir

300mg

Cefdinir 300mg tablets, used for community-acquired pneumonia, acute otitis media, pharyngitis and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. A cephalosporin.

From$3.35/ tabletView

Duricef

Cefadroxil

250 · 500mg

Cefadroxil 250mg and 500mg tablets, used for bacterial infection and bacterial pharyngitis. A first-generation cephalosporin that halts cell wall building.

From$0.42/ tabletView

Suprax

Cefixime

100 · 200mg

Cefixime 100mg and 200mg tablets, used for otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis. A third-generation cephalosporin.

From$2.18/ tabletView

Ceftin

Cefuroxime

250 · 500mg

Cefuroxime 250mg and 500mg film-coated tablets, used for pharyngitis, otitis media, urinary tract infection and pneumonia. A second-generation cephalosporin.

From$3.49/ tabletView

Key points

  • A severely red throat with white patches and tender, swollen neck glands but no cough points more towards a bacterial cause.
  • Cefixime, cefdinir and cefuroxime are cephalosporin antibiotics often chosen for confirmed bacterial cases, with cefixime and cefdinir dosed just once daily.
  • Stopping antibiotics as soon as symptoms ease, rather than finishing the course, is the main reason strep throat comes back.

Recognising bacterial vs viral pharyngitis

Viral pharyngitis tends to arrive alongside a runny nose, cough, and mild fever. Bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat) is more likely when the throat is severely red or shows white patches, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and tender, and there is no cough. In tropical and subtropical climates, both types circulate year-round rather than peaking in a defined cold season, so symptoms alone can be misleading without a throat swab or rapid antigen test.

Antibiotic options for bacterial pharyngitis

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

Self-care alongside treatment

Warm salt-water gargles, adequate fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever help manage discomfort while antibiotics work. Rest the voice where possible. See a doctor promptly if breathing becomes difficult, drooling or inability to swallow develops, or a high fever persists beyond two to three days despite treatment.

Further reading