Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Is it possible for strep or tonsillitis to still get worse the first day after starting antibiotics?
9 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Possibly: Bacterial infections can worsen, even if beginning antibiotics. Sometime patients feel worse in 24 or so hours due to substances released into the body from the death of the bacteria and cell death. Antibiotics do not guarantee cure. If one is worsening after beginning antibiotics and there is concern, a phone call to the doctor may be warranted or a re-visit. Give it a chance then call.
Answered 2/26/2016
6.2k views
Yes: It takes at least 48 hrs. For the antibiotic to reach the tonsils and start to work. Things should start feeling better by day 3.
Answered 2/26/2016
4.8k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Almost 9 month old boy with tonsillitis. Today is the last day of Antibiotics. Why is he getting worse?
12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A member asked:
Could someone get thrush from a 7 day course of antibiotics for tonsillitis?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I've had tonsillitis for 2 weeks now & on the last day of antibiotics today. Tonsils r still fairly swollen with numerous white spots. Extremely dizzy?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Is tonsillitis, strep and/or pharyngitis catching? Can others catch it from me through common contact while i take antibiotic that works against all 3
Is it possible that i have tonsillitis while taking antibiotics for strep? My tonsil started swelling on one side and painful swallowing
Throat culture came back normal. No strep, no tonsilitis, no mono. But tonsils have been swollen for 3 months. Antibiotics doesn't help, keeps coming?
Daughter's tonsils are huge/lumpy. She's had a near abscess, tonsillitis, and strep. Anything I can do at home to help? I hate so many antiobiotics.
My girlfriend has bacterial tonsillitis and its NOT strep throat. After 5 days of antibiotics will it still be contagious? Will I get it if we kiss?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
