This is the start of my third day on penicillin for tonillitis. The pain is excruciating, just wondered roughly how long before the drugs do their work
How long does penicillin take to work?
Question posted by AndiPar on 9 Feb 2013
Last updated on 5 March 2017 by Debbie fox
4 Answers
Debbie fox
5 March 2017
Hi my daughter got tonsillitis she age 11 she was given penicillin thursday just look at her throat still up and red and white she still coughing still not right how long do penicillin take to work and do you think I should take her back Monday please
meyati
10 Feb 2013
Sounds like you have a severe case. I find that it takes about 6 days to feel relief from a severe infection. Then when I started feeling better, I felt better by leaps and bounds. How quickly you feel better actually depends on how strong the dosage is, your general health, and how severe the infection is. One question to ask--Are you getting worse?
AndiPar
10 Feb 2013
I am on 2000mg per day for 7 days. The pain is worse and I have now got a very croaky throat. Thinking of calling emergency doctor in the morning
meyati
10 Feb 2013
I agree--- one thing though--- a croaky throat is usually a virus. So you might have 2 problems--- Get to an ER doctor-just as you're thinking of doing. You can't afford to dehydrate. Something is far wrong-you are right to worry.
Good luck and leyt us know what happens your friend
AndiPar
10 Feb 2013
Been to emergency doctor who prescribed much stronger antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash. I have a bacterial and viral infection :-(
meyati
10 Feb 2013
I'm glad that you went in. No wonder you are in agony. The virus should be gone in about 3 days. U R already taking antibiotics, so it can't turn into an infection- you already have that. I'm glad that you're on super antibiotic now. Are you eating popsicles or sherbet to sooth your throat? you just suck on that frozen stuff, and it slides down and soothes that sore throat. Some will tell you that the sugar makes it worse, but your body needs a little to maintain. You are seriously ill, and as long as you gargle a lot-and drink lots of water, you'll be OK. This might sound funny- but if I get a really bad throat, swallowing liquid is almost impossible from the pain, and I choke and gag, but I can eat solid food. Odd but true. Take care friend- and get well- don't overdo it-give yourself a chance to heal in your whole body. I should sign off as Bossy about now--Go to bed and sleep
meyati
10 Feb 2013
I'm glad that you went in. No wonder you are in agony. The virus should be gone in about 3 days. U R already taking antibiotics, so it can't turn into an infection- you already have that. I'm glad that you're on super antibiotic now. Are you eating popsicles or sherbet to sooth your throat? you just suck on that frozen stuff, and it slides down and soothes that sore throat. Some will tell you that the sugar makes it worse, but your body needs a little to maintain. You are seriously ill, and as long as you gargle a lot-and drink lots of water, you'll be OK. This might sound funny- but if I get a really bad throat, swallowing liquid is almost impossible from the pain, and I choke and gag, but I can eat solid food. Odd but true. Take care friend- and get well- don't overdo it-give yourself a chance to heal in your whole body. I should sign off as Bossy about now--Go to bed and sleep
meyati
10 Feb 2013
OK, I'm repeating myself- sorry-
endlessPred
9 Feb 2013
It helps to gargle with room temp. salt water. Every few hours. The gargling removes some of the plaque and gunk that coats the throat. Ice pops helped. Lots of sleep and it is contagious so best to read a good book and sleep as much as you can. Don't go to work.
My daughter got this a lot until she had her tonsils removed. She did it as an adult and the surgery becomes more risky the older one gets.
She used ibuprofen then two hours later Tylenol and continued this way until the pain left. It also helped control the fever.
Watch for a light red rash on the chest. Should it appear call your doctor right away. This is more serious and needs further treatment.
Hope you are better soon.
AndiPar
9 Feb 2013
Thanks for your reply. If I am no better Monday then I will be back at docs being signed off work
endlessPred
9 Feb 2013
Tou are welcom. Do hope you are better by then.
Rebel137
22 Nov 2016
I have a two week penicillin shot for my bad tooth,it hurts like hell? It says 3 or 4 days on here, But the ER dr said it would better 1 day after i was in the Emergency Room and that is today at 7am. I feel like the DR. Lied to me?? Is swishing hydrogen peroxide in your mouth safe???
Delila
9 Feb 2013
It will have started working but you may not notice your symptoms changing yet. The Penicillin will kill the infection but you will need to be taking an analgesic for the pain. It is important to finish the course. Hopefully within a couple of days you'll start feeling better.
AndiPar
9 Feb 2013
Thank you for replying. I have been prescribed co codamol today so hope that will give some relief too.
Delila
9 Feb 2013
Yes that's a good pain killer. Wishing you well!
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pain, tonsillitis/pharyngitis, penicillin
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