What to Take for Sore Throat

A sore throat can make swallowing, talking or even breathing uncomfortable. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and improve on their own within a week. However, pain relief and soothing measures can help you feel better while your body fights off the infection. Below is a guide to over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies, plus when to seek medical care.

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1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs reduce inflammation and relieve pain. A Cochrane review (Cox et al., 2012) found that ibuprofen, naproxen and similar drugs shorten sore throat pain and improve comfort.

• Ibuprofen

  • Typical dose: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 1 200 mg/day OTC).
  • Benefits: Reduces throat swelling and pain.
  • Side effects: Upset stomach, heartburn. Take with food or milk.

• Naproxen

  • Typical dose: 220 mg every 8–12 hours (max 440 mg in 12 hours).
  • Benefits: Longer relief between doses.
  • Side effects: Similar to ibuprofen; avoid if you have certain heart or kidney conditions.

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

When NSAIDs aren’t suitable, acetaminophen can relieve pain and reduce fever.

• Acetaminophen
  • Typical dose: 500–1 000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 3 000 mg–3 250 mg/day).
  • Benefits: Gentle on the stomach.
  • Side effects: Liver toxicity at high doses—do not exceed recommended amount.

Note: Always read package instructions and consider any personal health conditions or other medications.

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2. Throat Lozenges and Sprays

Local treatments coat and numb the throat, offering quick relief.

• Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges

  • Supported by a randomized, double-blind trial (Eccles et al., 2009).
  • Dose: 1 lozenge every 3–6 hours (max 5 lozenges/day).
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory plus local numbing.
  • Side effects: Mild throat irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Benzocaine or Lidocaine lozenges/sprays

  • Numbing agents that dull pain for 30–60 minutes.
  • Use as directed on the label.
  • Avoid in children under 2 years (risk of choking or overdose).

• Hexylresorcinol lozenges

  • Antiseptic and mild anesthetic effect.
  • Generally well tolerated; follow package dosing.

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3. Home Remedies

Simple at-home methods can enhance comfort alongside medication.

• Salt-water gargle

  • Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
  • Gargle for 15–30 seconds, spit out. Repeat 2–3 times/day.
  • Helps reduce swelling and loosen mucus.

• Honey and warm liquids

  • Honey (1 teaspoon) in tea or warm water soothes and coats the throat.
  • Avoid honey in children under 1 year.

• Stay hydrated

  • Drink water, broths or herbal teas throughout the day to keep throat moist.

• Humidifier or steam

  • Use a cool-mist humidifier or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to ease dryness.

• Rest your voice

  • Limit talking and whispering when your throat is sore to prevent further irritation.

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4. Short-Course Oral Steroids

Oral steroids may provide extra relief for moderate to severe sore throat symptoms.

• A Cochrane review (Ahmed et al., 2016) examined single-dose dexamethasone (10 mg) or prednisone.
• Benefits: Faster pain relief, reduced need for additional medication.
• Risks: Minimal with a single dose; possible mood changes, increased appetite.
• Use: Typically prescribed by a doctor when pain is significant (e.g., inability to eat or drink).

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5. When to Consider Antibiotics

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections such as strep throat.

• Signs of bacterial sore throat:
  • Severe sore throat without cough
  • High fever (>38 °C/100.4 °F)
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
  • White patches on tonsils
• If you suspect strep throat, a rapid antigen detection test or throat culture is needed.
• Improper antibiotic use can lead to resistance and side effects—always follow a healthcare provider’s guidance.

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6. Monitoring and When to Seek Help

Most sore throats get better in 5–7 days. However, see a doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Drooling or inability to handle saliva
• Severe neck stiffness or headache
• Rash, joint pain or earache
• Symptoms that worsen or last longer than one week

You might also consider doing a free, online symptom check for your sore throat to help decide your next steps.

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7. Final Tips

• Combine systemic pain relievers (NSAIDs or acetaminophen) with local treatments (lozenges or sprays) for best relief.
• Maintain hydration, rest and gentle home remedies.
• Avoid whispering (it strains vocal cords more than normal speech).

If you experience anything that could be life-threatening or serious, speak to a doctor immediately. Always discuss new or worsening symptoms with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.