Children's Sore Throat Medicine and Antibiotics
Most kids with sore throats experience symptoms caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu. Other potential causes include allergies, dry air or exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke. However, a sore throat in hchildren could also indicate a bacterial infection called Group A Streptococcus (strep throat).
Strep throat in babies or toddlers (under age 3) is rare; it's more common in preschool and school-aged children. Knowing the cause of your child's sore throat is critical, as treatment varies depending on whether the sore throat is viral or bacterial.
Viral vs. bacterial: How to identify the cause of a sore throat in kids
A sore throat caused by a virus usually comes with other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. Antibiotics for a sore throat won't help if the cause is a virus. Antibiotics only work against bacteria (like strep throat) — not viruses.
Signs that suggest strep throat in children include:
- Fever or rash
- Redness and white spots (what doctors call exudates) on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
Signs of strep in babies, toddlers and older kids
- Babies: Strep throat is uncommon in babies, but symptoms may include irritability, refusal to feed or a slight fever. Talk to a doctor if you notice these signs.
- Toddlers: Toddler sore throat symptoms can overlap with other illnesses. A fever and lack of cold-like symptoms may suggest strep.
- Older kids: Older children are more likely to have classic strep symptoms, such as a sore throat without a runny nose, fever and painful swallowing.
Even for doctors, telling the difference between a viral sore throat and strep throat can be hard just by looking at the way the throat looks. That's why a throat swab and rapid strep test are essential before starting antibiotics for a sore throat. You'll usually get results within minutes. Find a Texas Children's Pediatrics location near you.
Is amoxicillin good for sore throat?
Amoxicillin is one of the most prescribed antibiotics for strep throat in kids. It’s effective in treating strep throat caused by Group A Streptococcus. However, it’s not useful for viral infections. Overuse of antibiotics like amoxicillin can lead to unwanted side effects, such as diarrhea or allergic reactions, so it’s important only to use it when a bacterial infection is confirmed.
How to treat sore throats caused by a virus
For viral sore throats, focus on supportive at-home care, such as:
- Keeping your child hydrated
- Offering cool liquids, ice chips or popsicles; children ages 4 and up can suck on hard candy
- Using a humidifier at night
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, others); be sure to follow the use and dosage instructions on the package
See more tips for relieving cold symptoms.
When should your child see a doctor for a sore throat?
See a doctor if your child:
- Has a sore throat that lasts more than a few days
- Develops a fever or rash
- Struggles to swallow or has difficulty breathing
- Experiences persistent or worsening symptoms
Your children’s health care provider can perform a rapid strep test or a throat culture to confirm whether antibiotics are needed.
Make an appointment
Find a Texas Children’s Pediatrics location near you. Existing patients with MyChart accounts can also schedule an appointment online.
FAQs about sore throat and strep throat in kids
Look for signs such as irritability, refusal to eat or drink and slight fever. Since babies can’t verbalize discomfort in the same way as older kids, watch for subtle changes in behavior.
With treatment, strep throat typically improves within 24–48 hours. Without antibiotics for strep throat, it can last a week or longer and may lead to complications.
While mild cases may resolve on their own, antibiotics are recommended. If bacteria spread to other parts of the body, complications may include:
- Abscesses (pockets of pus) around the tonsils or in the neck
- Ear infections
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)
- Rheumatic fever (a condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain and skin)
- Sinus infections
Doctors often prescribe penicillin and amoxicillin for treating strep throat in children. Talk with your child’s doctor about the option that’s best for them.
In general, young children (under age 7) should not take over-the-counter medications. For viral sore throats, see our tips for relieving cold symptoms.
If strep throat is diagnosed, antibiotics will help speed recovery. If the sore throat is caused by a virus, using our tips for relieving cold symptoms will help your child feel better more quickly. Ensure they stay hydrated and get plenty of rest as well.
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