For a sore throat, the following medicines are commonly recommended to relieve pain and inflammation:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Throat lozenges, such as Cepacol or Halls, soothe the throat and keep it moist.
- Numbing throat sprays with ingredients like phenol or menthol (e.g., Vicks VapoCool throat spray) can reduce throat pain.
- If the sore throat is caused by allergies, antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin may help.
- For sore throats related to acid reflux, antacids like Tums can help.
If the sore throat is due to a bacterial infection like strep throat, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are necessary (e.g., penicillin or amoxicillin). However, most sore throats are viral and resolve without antibiotics. General painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are safe and effective first options for most sore throats.
If the sore throat is severe, persistent beyond several days, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical consultation is advised.
