OTC Medications to Soothe a Sore Throat

A sore throat can make swallowing, eating, drinking, or talking more difficult. It may also be an indicator that another illness is present such as strep throat, influenza (the flu), the common cold, tonsillitis, or other respiratory illnesses. Sore throats are most commonly caused by viral infections.

Identifying symptoms early on can help you proactively seek appropriate treatment options to minimize discomfort. Symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Painful swallowing
• Dry, scratchy throat
• Throat swelling

Typically, a sore throat will improve on its own within one week after symptom onset, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help you feel better as you recover. A sore throat caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, requires prescription antibiotics.

Recognizing sore throat symptoms and using treatments available without a prescription can help you more effectively manage them.

This article will discuss OTC medications, other remedies, and prevention methods.

OTC Medicines for a Sore Throat

A sore throat can be uncomfortable and disruptive but will often resolve on its own. OTC medications can provide symptom relief without requiring a visit to a healthcare provider.

These remedies work to help reduce pain and soothe throat irritation. While these medications can ease your discomfort, you should consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or fail to improve after five to 10 days.

Some OTC medications for a sore throat may come as combination tablets, meaning they may contain more than one medication. Be mindful of this to ensure you are not taking more than the recommended dose of any single ingredient or medication.

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are essential for managing pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat. The following OTC pain relievers can quickly and effectively minimize throat pain while also reducing fever, if present:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen)

Be mindful of dosing considerations when taking pain relievers. Children younger than 6 months can only take Tylenol, but children older than 6 months can take either Tylenol or Motrin.

Both Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective at reducing pain and are well-tolerated. Underlying health conditions should be considered when choosing which pain reliever to take.

For example, Tylenol should be avoided in individuals with liver problems, and NSAIDs such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve should be avoided in those with kidney or gastrointestinal conditions.

Numbing Products

Numbing products provide targeted sore throat relief and may come in the form of throat sprays or lozenges.

Benzocaine, menthol, and phenol are common anesthetics found in these products that are used to numb the throat. Numbing products provide short-term relief for sore throat and should not be used long-term.

Numbing sprays are just as effective as hard candies or lozenges. However, lozenges may last longer than sprays.

Examples of numbing products that can be used to soothe a sore throat are:

• Chloraseptic throat spray
• Cepacol sore throat lozenges
• Vicks VapoCool products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that OTC benzocaine-containing oral products should be avoided in infants and children younger than 2 years ol.

Oral Demulcents

A demulcent is a substance that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane, such as the throat, to help relieve minor pain and inflammation. Like numbing products, they are used to alleviate sore throat and are often found in throat lozenges, cough syrups, cough drops, and throat sprays.

They create a protective coating in the throat to help minimize irritation and discomfort. Glycerol (glycerin) is a common ingredient found in these products. Its moisturizing properties help soothe inflammation associated with a sore throat.

Additional ingredients such as honey and lemon may be combined with demulcents.

Halls, Luden's, Ricola, and Chloraseptic are a few brands of oral demulcents for sore throat relief.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines help prevent the body from releasing chemicals (histamines) that cause allergic reactions. They can be useful in treating sore throats related to seasonal allergies.

The following antihistamines may be used to treat sore throat associated with allergies:

• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Clarinex (desloratadine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Xyzal (levocetirizine)
  
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Antihistamines should only be used as directed on the medication label. Taking an antihistamine at night can help with symptoms that often peak early in the morning.

Other Sore Throat Remedies

Nondrug remedies for sore throat offer a holistic approach to managing discomfort and alleviating symptoms. You may try one or a combination of the following home remedies to help soothe a sore throat:

• Suck on Popsicles or hard candy such as peppermints.
• Use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Drink soothing beverages (such as hot tea with honey or ice water).
• Take a spoonful of honey (for people at least 1 year or older).

Other lifestyle changes include:

• Avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke
• Getting adequate rest
• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Staying hydrated

Understanding and incorporating these nondrug remedies can help combat sore throat and be used with or without medical treatment options.

How Can I Reduce My Chances of Getting a Sore Throat?

One of the best ways to prevent a sore throat is to avoid getting sick. You can do so by maintaining proper hygiene. This includes handwashing and avoiding close or direct contact with others who are sick to limit exposure to germs that can cause a sore throat.

Proper handwashing includes washing your hands with soap and water and drying them fully, especially after coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing. Avoid blowing your nose or coughing directly into your hand to prevent the spread of infection.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used as an alternate option if you do not have access to a sink to wash your hands.

You can also reduce your chances of getting a sore throat by avoiding exposure to external irritants such as secondhand smoke.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While OTC remedies can provide relief for many, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen, especially if accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• New or worsening skin rash
• Neck or tongue swelling
• Stiff neck
• Joint pain or swelling

Let your healthcare provider if you experience sore throats frequently.

Summary

A sore throat can cause pain and discomfort and interfere with daily activities. While a sore throat usually resolves on its own, medications and home remedies can help with relief.

OTC pain relievers, numbing products, oral demulcents, and antihistamines can be used to help soothe pain associated with a sore throat. OTC sore throat medicines should be used cautiously in children and only as directed by a healthcare provider.

Beyond medication, nondrug remedies such as using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, and consuming warm and cold beverages can also help lessen irritation and promote healing.

If you have a sore throat accompanied by symptoms like fever, pain, stiff neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek medical care. For sore throats lasting longer than a week, visit a healthcare provider to identify if the underlying cause warrants a prescription treatment.

While OTC medications for sore throat are available without a prescription, you should consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.