What are some of the best medications for a sore throat? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Which medications can help treat a sore throat Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Helen Millar on August 15, 2022A sore throat refers to a painful, itchy, and uncomfortable feeling in the throat that can make it difficult to swallow. A variety of medications, as well as home remedies, are available to help treat a sore throat. A sore throat is a common symptom of conditions such as the common cold or flu. According to a 2021 study, a sore throat is the sixth most common reason people visit a primary care physician in Germany. Possible causes of a sore throat can include: bacterial or viral infectionsirritation from cigarette smoke or ingesting chemicalsnon-infectious conditions such as Kawasaki disease Often, a sore throat may resolve in a few days. However, if the pain is severe or its persists for longer than 5–10 days, it is advisable to contact a doctor. Different types of medications available for treating different causes of a sore throat. Typically, these medications either relieve the symptoms of a sore throat or fight the infection that is causing the discomfort. In this article, we will discuss different medications that may help to soothe a sore throat. Pain relievers Share on PinterestPeopleImages/Getty ImagesPain relief comes in various forms. Often, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief is effective as an initial treatment for sore throat. Two examples of OTC pain treatment are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Doctors may refer to some medications as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, contain steroids. Both corticosteroids and NSAIDs can offer pain relief and reduce inflammation for a range of conditions, including a sore throat. NSAIDs are often available OTC and can provide relief from symptoms of a sore throat. They are often available in many forms, such as tablets, or as an active ingredient in other products. Common NSAIDs include the following:ibuprofennaproxenaspirindiclofenac While NSAIDs can help reduce symptoms of a sore throat, they can also cause side effects. These may include:gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, nausea, or diarrheaheadacheshigh blood pressure Additionally, it is not advisable to take NSAIDs while consuming alcohol. This can further irritate the stomach and cause side effects. Furthermore, NSAIDs may also interact with other drugs, so a person may want to consult with their doctor before taking NSAIDs for a sore throat. Corticosteroids are an additional form of treatment that may help relieve a sore throat by reducing pain and inflammation. Types of corticosteroids include betamethasone, dexamethasone, and prednisone. Evidence notes that while corticosteroids can help relieve a sore throat, clinical guidelines indicate a weak recommendation for corticosteroids. Research suggests that corticosteroids are most effective for a sore throat when a person takes them over a short period at low to moderate doses. Throat sprays Throat sprays describe a localized painkiller for the throat, which a person sprays directly onto their throat to offer instant relief, often by numbing the throat. Research from 2016 suggests that throat sprays improve a sore throat significantly more than lozenges. However, researchers used different agents in this study. So people may want to consider the active ingredients and which product they are more comfortable using. Lozenges Lozenges provide a safe option to relieve pain in those with a sore throat. Lozenges can contain many different ingredients, meaning they may possess anesthetic and antimicrobial activity. Lozenges are typically similar to hard candy, which a person dissolves with their saliva. By sucking on a lozenge, a person releases the active ingredients, helping to soothe and lubricate the throat. Cough syrups If a person is experiencing a sore throat due to coughing, they may benefit from taking an antitussive, such as a cough syrup. This liquid can soothe the throat and suppress the urge to cough. Cough syrups may also contain other active ingredients that can help relieve a sore throat. Antibiotics Infections can be a common cause of a sore throat. If a doctor identifies that the cause of the sore throat is a bacterial infection, they will prescribe antibiotics. For example, streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat, is a common cause of a sore throat. The best antibiotics to take for strep throat are typically either penicillin or amoxicillin. Most of the time, a person will notice that their symptoms resolve within 1–3 days of starting a course of antibiotics. However, it is important that a person receives an accurate diagnosis from a doctor before taking antibiotics. These medications are extremely effective, but they can cause side effects and may cause bacteria to develop resistance if used inappropriately. This makes it harder to treat infections in the future. Home remedies As well as medicinal methods to relieve a sore throat, people may also benefit from some home remedies. For example, this may include:gargling with salt waterusing honey, which can be added to warm beverages, for exampleadding lemon juice to beveragesgargling hot sauce and waterdrinking herbal teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, or green tea Click here to learn more about natural options for treating a sore throat. Summary A sore throat is a common symptom that can cause discomfort. Different medications are available, both OTC and prescription, to help soothe and relieve symptoms. Typically, these medications ease pain and inflammation, making it easier for a person to swallow and speak. In other cases, such as a bacterial infection, a person will require antibiotics to directly treat the cause of the sore throat. Along with medication, there are also home remedies available for managing a sore throat. Last medically reviewed on August 15, 2022Ear, Nose, and Throat 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Aertgeerts, B., et al. (2017). Corticosteroids for sore throat: A clinical practice guideline.https://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j4090Ashurst, J. V., et al. (2022). Streptococcal Pharyngitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525997/Krüger, K., et al. (2021). Sore throat.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8245861/Long, B., et al. (2020). Corticosteroids for sore throat.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/acem.14143Medications - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (2021).https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugsMorice, A., et al. (2016). Comprehensive evidence-based review on European antitussives.https://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000137.infoMüller, D., et al. (2016). Efficacy and tolerability of an ectoine mouth and throat spray compared with those of saline lozenges in the treatment of acute pharyngitis and/or laryngitis: A prospective, controlled, observational clinical trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4974281/NSAIDs. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/Palm, J., et al. (2018). Efficacy and safety of a triple active sore throat lozenge in the treatment of patients with acute pharyngitis: Results of a multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial (DoriPha).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6282512/Pharyngitis (strep throat). (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-hcp/strep-throat.htmlSadeghirad, B., et al. (2017). Corticosteroids for treatment of sore throat: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605780/Smith, C. (2022). 6 at-home remedies to ease your sore throat.https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throatSore throat. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.htmlSore throats. (2020).https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sore-throats/Tanz, R. R., et al. (2018). Sore throat.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152117/Venekamp, R. P., et al. (2020). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute sore throat.https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013709/fullDe Vocht, K., et al. (2021). The use of paracetamol for first-line treatment of acute sore throat. A descriptive generic qualitative study of GPs and patients.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8118443/Weckmann, G., et al. (2017). Efficacy of AMC/DCBA lozenges for sore throat: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28869700/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Helen Millar on August 15, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow to deal with a sore throat A sore throat is a common effect of a viral or bacterial infection. Acid, chemical irritation, and acid reflux can also cause it. Treatment depends on…READ MOREWhat to know about strep throatMedically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP Strep throat results from the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, which can spread through airborne droplets. Learn about how to recognize and treat…READ MOREWhat causes a chronic sore throat?Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D Many factors can cause a chronic sore throat, including allergies, smoking, and infections. In this article, we explore the possible causes and…READ MOREWhat are the best ways to help a sore throat?Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Illnesses, allergies, and acid reflux can all cause sore throats. Find out how to help sore throats with home remedies and when to contact a doctor.READ MOREWhat you need to know about laryngitisMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Laryngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, also known as the voice box. It can be acute or chronic, but in most cases is not…READ MORE