From the Guidelines
In Australia, the most effective over-the-counter products for managing tonsillitis symptoms are paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can help reduce pain and inflammation, as evidenced by studies such as [@Perrott@] and [@Boureau@]. For pain and inflammation relief, I recommend paracetamol (such as Panadol) at 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours (maximum 4000mg daily) or ibuprofen (like Nurofen) at 200-400mg every 6-8 hours with food. Some key points to consider when managing tonsillitis symptoms include:
- Throat lozenges containing benzocaine or lidocaine (such as Strepsils Anaesthetic) can provide temporary numbing relief.
- Salt water gargles (1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water) several times daily can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Throat sprays like Difflam (containing benzydamine) directly target pain at the source.
- Staying hydrated with plenty of fluids and considering honey in warm drinks for soothing effects can also be beneficial. It's essential to note that tonsillitis is often viral and requires rest, but bacterial tonsillitis needs antibiotics, so it's crucial to see a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 3-4 days, especially with high fever or difficulty swallowing, as highlighted in [@Spinks@] and [@Casey@]. Additionally, some studies such as [@Timmer@] and [@Shi@] have investigated the efficacy of alternative treatments, including Pelargonium sidoides and Chinese herbal medicines, but the evidence is not as strong as that for paracetamol and ibuprofen. Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life, as emphasized in [@Hayward@] and [@Ioannidis@].
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Available OTC Products for Tonsillitis in Australia
There are no specific OTC products mentioned in the provided studies for the treatment of tonsillitis in Australia. However, some studies suggest the use of:
- Paracetamol and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for conservative treatment of tonsillitis 1
- Alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain relief after tonsillectomy in children 2
- Paracetamol/prednisolone versus paracetamol/ibuprofen for post-operative recovery after adult tonsillectomy 3
Treatment Options
The treatment options for tonsillitis include:
- Supportive care for viral infections
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) 4, 1
- Tonsillectomy for recurrent acute tonsillitis, with specific criteria for indication 1, 5
Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic tools for tonsillitis include: