Throat & Chest Infections

Throat & Tonsil Infections

Antibiotics for sore throat, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis

9 drugs
2 OTC
7 Prescription

Antiseptic throat lozenge

Kills germs in the throat and mouth

1

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol , Amylmetacresol ,Vitamin C

OTC

Sore throat, throat pain, mouth infections, minor throat irritation from cough or cold

Strepsils Orange with Vitamin C Lozenge

Antiseptic

throat and mouth

1

Amylmetacresol; 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol

OTC

Sore throat, throat pain, mouth infections, mild throat infections, discomfort caused by cough and cold

Strepsils Soothing Honey & LemonStrepsils Soothing Honey and Lemon Lozenges

Antibiotic

Macrolide

3

Azithromycin

Prescription

Chest infections, cough and catarrh caused by bacteria, typhoid, sore throat, ear infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, eye infections

Afithro-500 TabletsAgazit TabletsAvrozith 250mg CapsulesAvrozith SuspensionAxerem 500 TabletsAxerem SuspensionAzglo TabletAzglo Tablets

Clarithromycin

Prescription

Chest infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, throat infections, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, sinusitis, stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, typhoid-like infections

Acem-500 TabletsBactofin 500 TabletsBerlin Clarithromycin TabletsBiomeclarocin TabletsCeemacin TabletsClaricin 500mg TabletsClaridex-500 Tablet Clarithromycin 500mgClariglob 500mg Tablet

Erythromycin

Prescription

Chest infections, pneumonia, throat infections, tonsillitis, skin infections, boils, ear infections, eye infections, typhoid, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, wound infections

Acithromac SuspensionAcithromac TabletArtemis Erythromycin 500mg TabletsBiobacta TabletBiopharma Erythromycin 500 TabletsEroceth-250Eroceth-500Erogran Granules

Antibiotic

Penicillin

3

Benzylpenicillin sodium

Prescription

Serious bacterial infections like pneumonia, meningitis (brain infection), septicaemia (blood infection), throat infections, wound infections, sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and gonorrhoea, tetanus, and skin infections

Benzylpenicillin InjectionBenzylpenicillin Sodium for Injection 1 MegDerm Crystalline Penicillin InjectionGlobal Young Crystalline Penicillin G. InjectionKrystapen Injection 1 MegaMarleypen InjectionNelb Penicillin Injection 1 MegaRicnos Crystalline Penicillin Powder For Injection

Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Prescription

Throat infections (tonsillitis, sore throat), ear infections, mouth and gum infections, mild chest infections, skin infections, prevention of rheumatic fever

Ethipanta 250mg TabletPenvard TabletsPhenopen-V 250mg Tablet

Procaine Benzylpenicillin

Prescription

Syphilis, gonorrhea, chest infections (pneumonia), skin infections, sore throat from bacteria, wound infections, yaws

Ricnos Fortified Procaine Penicillin Powder For InjectionShepcain Fortified procaine penicillin Injection

Antibiotic

First-generation cephalosporin

1

Cefalexin

Prescription

Skin infections, boils, wound infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), ear infections, throat infections, tonsillitis, chest infections, bone infections

Axcel Cephalexin-250 CapsuleAxcel Cephalexin-500 CapsuleCefomor Powder for Oral SuspensionCephaflash CapsulesMonacef 500 CapsulesSporidex Suspension 125mg/5mLSporidex Suspension 250mg/5mL

When to see a doctor

Seek care if you notice any of the following

  • If you have a severe sore throat that makes it hard to swallow and you feel like you're choking.
  • If you have a high fever that lasts for more than 3 days or reaches 39°C (102.2°F) or higher.
  • If you notice white or yellow patches on your tonsils or throat that don't go away after a few days.
  • If you experience severe headaches or neck stiffness that lasts for more than a day.
  • If you have difficulty breathing or feel like you're not getting enough air, especially if you have a history of asthma or other breathing problems.

For guidance only — always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Related conditions

Chest & Lung Infections

Antibiotics for bronchitis, pneumonia, and chest infections

Breathing Support

Bronchodilators and steroids to open airways during breathing difficulty