Sorry to ask this again - I messed up while asking it the last time and made the time expire prematurely. But thanks to all that had responded.
Anyways, I've had a sore throat for six days now (getting worse). I just got back in the country, and I'm not insured, so I really don't want to go to the doctor and have to pay uninsured prices.
Would antibiotics that were prescribed for other reasons help at all, even if not specifically for a sore throat?
I know it's never recommended to take unprescribed medication, but would antibiotics, in and of themselves, be effective at all?
Again, thanks.
2007-06-09 12:56:44 · 7 answers · asked by leparrish3511 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Sore throats aren't treated with antibiotics or antivirals. These meds treat infections. You first have to be diagnosed with a bacterial infection that calls for an antibiotic. You may have to pay out of pocket or find a free clinic.
2007-06-09 15:32:06 · answer #1 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a sore throat and no one could tell me whether it was a cold or allergies. It got worse I had it for weeks! Finally I was diagnosed (by a good doctor) with a certain type of virus, in which case the antibiotic would not have been effective. Not only that but it would have been bad because it would have killed even the good bacteria in my throat had I taken it.
The fact is, antibiotics help with BACTERIAL infections. If you're sure it's bacterial there is a good chance that it will help, although I don't know which one you have. Research it online, I was given CIPRO. It's not advised to take just ANY antibiotic, but i'm NOT a doctor. Some people might say that it can't hurt either way but that's not true. As I mentioned earlier it could kill the good bacteria in your throat and leave voids for more bad bacteria to develop. Remember that if you're prescribed an antibiotic YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT FOR THE FULL PRESCRIPTION TIME you can't just take a couple. Otherwise it won't fully kill off the bacteria and it could develop into a worse condition. I'm not trying to scare you just sharing all my knowledge. I hope this helps. If it doesn't improve, I would spend the money on a doctor or find a local clinic that does checkups inexpensively... get better!
2007-06-09 20:11:07 · answer #2 · answered by Nunya B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you got a sore throat in another country--GO to the doctor. If money is an issue go to the local ER. An emergency room can't turn you away. If you picked up something in another counrty it would not be wise to skip the doc. The original question though, no. Any antibiotic is not going to treat the sore throat. Antibiotics should ALWAYS be taken until gone. If you have some left over it will not be enough anyway. Antibiotics are designed to be used for the full course prescribed. How do you know that the sore throat is not viral if you haven't been to the doc for a culture? If it is viral the antibiotics won't touch it.
2007-06-09 20:05:02 · answer #3 · answered by M. Nurse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you've traveled outside of the country recently, I strongly recommend that you see a doctor.
That being said, it's hard to tell whether any antibiotic will help. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. If the origin of your sore throat is viral, no antibiotics will help at all. It also depends on what bacterial infection you have to what antibiotic will rid you of it. A throat culture needs to be done.
2007-06-09 20:02:23 · answer #4 · answered by Karma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Antibioitcs will not help a sore throat. Also do not take these meds without having an infection as they may do more harm than good. If you think you may have strep throat then see a doc in urgent care for a test. It won't cost that much for a rapid step test if you think you might have it.
2007-06-09 20:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should never have left over Anti-b that is what make a bug stronger you kill only part of the bacteria. Then the survivors will not be touched by that drug. Always take all of your Anti-b. Anti-b have no effect on Viruses they only use them for bacterial infections
2007-06-09 20:28:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anti biotics are not meant to take care of simple problems. If you use them too much they lose their effectiveness.
Get a jar of Vicks vaporub and put it on your chest and throat at night it absorbs into the tissue and your problem should be gone overnight.
My Mother used this on us and I have raised my children using it. It works.
2007-06-09 20:04:10 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋