Which anti-inflammatory medication is best for pharyngitis?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
There is no such thing as the "best anti-inflammatory medication" in the treatment of pharyngitis. Amoxicillin capsules belong to the penicillin class of drugs and are clearly effective against common bacteria causing bacterial pharyngitis, such as streptococcus. They are well absorbed orally and act quickly. Suitable for patients without penicillin allergy, amoxicillin effectively inhibits bacterial growth and alleviates symptoms such as sore throat, throat redness, and swelling. It should be taken for the full prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance.
There is no such thing as the "best anti-inflammatory medication" for treating pharyngitis. Commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs include amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, roxithromycin capsules, and clarithromycin tablets. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Amoxicillin Capsules: This belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and has a clear effect against common bacteria causing bacterial pharyngitis, such as streptococcus. It is well absorbed orally and acts quickly. Suitable for patients without penicillin allergy, it effectively inhibits bacterial growth and relieves symptoms like sore throat and pharyngeal redness and swelling. It should be taken for the full prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance.
2. Cefradine Capsules: A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a broad antimicrobial spectrum, effective against various bacteria that cause pharyngitis. It is suitable for patients allergic to penicillin or those who respond poorly to it. It rapidly reduces pharyngeal inflammation and alleviates pain during swallowing. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment to prevent adverse reactions.
3. Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets: Belonging to the macrolide class, this drug is suitable for patients allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins. It requires a short treatment course (typically three days) and remains effective against certain resistant bacterial strains. It controls inflammation by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, helping to relieve throat discomfort.
4. Roxithromycin Capsules: Also a macrolide antibiotic with stable antimicrobial activity and reliable efficacy against bacterial pharyngitis. It is suitable for patients intolerant to penicillin. It helps reduce congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa and relieves soreness and burning sensations in the throat. Gastrointestinal side effects should be monitored during treatment.
5. Clarithromycin Tablets: Another macrolide antibiotic with strong antibacterial action, showing significant inhibition against bacteria causing pharyngitis. It is suitable for moderate to severe bacterial pharyngitis or cases where other medications are ineffective. It effectively controls the progression of inflammation and promotes healing of the pharyngeal mucosa. Dosage must strictly follow medical advice.
Antibiotic selection should be based on confirming whether the pharyngitis is caused by bacterial infection (antibiotics are unnecessary for viral infections), and must always be done under a doctor's guidance to avoid self-medication. During treatment, maintain a light diet and drink plenty of warm water. If symptoms do not improve within three days, seek medical review promptly for treatment adjustment.
