Strep Throat - Does This Slfamethoxazole Antibiotic Help Against Strep - Or Could I Take Penicillin?

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2022

Question: Hi I have a sore throat - throat is red - do not have nasal or chest congestion . I am taking Slfamethoxazole for epydimytis (sp?) Is it worth seeing if I have Strep throat - does this antibiotic help against Strep - could I take penicillin etc at the same time. I could send a picture of my throat - basically red all over - I still have tonsils thanks Grg

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Penicillin group of drugs would be best to treat sore throat

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

1. A combination of sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim would be better than sulfamethoxazole alone to treat both sore throat and epidydimitis.

2. But, penicillin would be more appropriate to treat sore throat.

3. Also, drink frequent sips of warm water and use providone iodine throat gargles.

4. Try taking anti-inflammatory medicine such as diclofenac or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.

With these above measures you should get better. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeo

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Hi Thanks

I just went to a doctor - she says it looks like yeast infection and I should gargle and swallow 4ml of PMS Nystatin. 1) is this toxic at all (to me that is :) 2) do I need to rest like I would have to if it was strep throat - I am supposed to compete in National Whitewater Championships kayaking this week.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral nystatin is very safe...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Oral nystatin paint or gargles is safe and is commonly used in the treatment of oral thrush. Nystatin would help you in recovering faster and you would be definitely fit for the competition.

Secondly, you need not take bed rest. Drink frequent sips of warm water and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Wish you good health

Regards

Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

My glands under my jaw are swollen - is that a sign I may have strep or does that happen with yeast too?

thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lymph node swelling can appear during any infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

The lymph node swelling is noticed when there is infection or inflammation in the area drained by those nodes. The infection could be viral, bacterial or fungal. Usually, the swelling of the nodes will regress once infection subsides and seldom it doesn't.

As your doctor has already diagnosed your condition as oral thrush, let's wait for the things to get better with the present medications.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head& Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 hours later)

Thank you - I took a strep test at drug store it was negative. I am really in rough shape - have difficulty eating and drinking. Had a small bowl of porridge and a few spoonfuls of yogurt yesterday. If I have a lozenger I can force down some water. I have to wear sunglasses with electric lights on.

Should I still keep taking the antibiotics? Anything else I can do to get rid of thrush

thanks again
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue with oral nystatin...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome back...

1. You should continue with oral Nystatin mouth paint. If the fungal infection doesn't subside in a day or two, then, you would require systemic antifungal medicines.

2. Also, you can try taking povidone iodine throat spray or mouth gargles. This reduces local inflammation and helps in healing faster.

3. Drink frequent sips of warm water. Try taking fresh fruit juices and healthy soups. This boosts up the immunity and helps you in recovering faster.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Well the latest is both strep and yeast tests were negative. My doctor at home (I am away) over the phone thought it might be reaction to the antibiotics to told me to stop using it.

A doctor here at local clinic thinks more likely is viral infection and suggested canker sore gel (maybe for inside of my lips that are swollen and sore).

I am feeling very tired but have not had a fever - my wife knows of a family in at home that has hand foot and mouth disease - could it be that.

Ok off to the store to get providine iodine and soup - I have only had Ensure meal replacement as I can not eat anything - fruits really hurt - even bananas

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Starting to feel a bit better - looked at inside of my lips they have large raised blisters - any gel you see is a lotion

I have attached 2 pictures

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral mucositis...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing back

I have examined both the images thoroughly and my opinion is:

1. There is a heavy coating on the tongue which could be due to dehydration and inflammation of the oral cavity mucosa. I don't see any fungal infection over the tongue.
2. Over the lips, the mucosa is inflamed with canker sores.

My suggestions to you are:

1. Continue with povidone iodine gargles.
2. Try using topical corticosteroid gel over the canker sores; the inflammation will reduce soon.
3. Stop oral nystatin.
4. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
5. Take a healthy liquid/semisolid diet, in order to boost up your immunity.
6. Check out with your doctor whether you can take any replacement medicine for Sulfamethoxazole.

Hope I have clarified your doubts. Wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng