Sore Throat Remedies: Which Works Best? - GoodRx (2024)

Sore throats are most common during the winter months, but they can occur year round. And once you have one, most people want to figure out how to get rid of it fast. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications and remedies for relieving a sore throat.

We’ll start by covering what can cause a sore throat and then share some of the best medications and home remedies to heal one. We’ll also provide recommended age ranges for medications and precautions to take if you have certain health conditions. This way, you can decide which sore throat medication might be best for you. If you decide that OTC sore throat medications are not the best option for you, there are other remedies you can try instead.

A sore throat is often caused by one of the following:

• Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold or flu

• Bacteria, which causes strep throat

• Allergies

Most sore throats are caused by viruses. But sometimes bacteria cause a sore throat, and this may need antibiotic treatment. If you have a sore throat, you can ask your healthcare provider to do a swab to figure out the cause. Based on the results, they can recommend the best sore throat treatment for you.

Regardless of the cause, OTC medications and other remedies can help relieve the discomfort from a sore throat.

What are the best over-the-counter treatments for a sore throat?

There are a range of OTC treatments for a sore throat. Let’s take a closer look.

Pain relievers

There are many pain-relieving OTC medications that can help relieve a sore throat. Most of them come in both a pill and liquid form.

Popular ones include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)

• Naproxen (Aleve)

Ibuprofen and naproxen belong to a group of medications called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They relieve pain and redness by lowering inflammation and swelling.

Here are some important things to consider before taking any pain-relieving medication for a sore throat:

• Children who are at least 6 months old can be given ibuprofen (Motrin) for mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen is not recommended for children under 6 months old. For children under 2 years old, it’s best to get appropriate dosage information from a healthcare provider.

• Overall, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe and effective for infants and children. For infants under 3 months, talk with a healthcare provider for the most appropriate dosage.

• If you have other medical conditions, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before using pain relievers for a sore throat. If you have liver problems, use caution before taking acetaminophen. Likewise, if you have high blood pressure or kidney problems, talk with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before using NSAIDs.

• If you’ve had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID medication, do not use NSAIDs.

Numbing medications

Topical numbing medications are another option for a sore throat. Also known as anesthetics, these medications numb the throat to help relieve pain. OTC medications that contain numbing agents are usually available as a throat spray or lozenge.

Some of these medications include:

• Chloraseptic sprays

• Throat lozenges, like Cepacol or Halls

• Vicks VapoCOOL throat spray

Numbing medications contain ingredients like benzocaine, menthol, and phenol to numb the throat. Keep in mind that while these medications are effective in managing a sore throat, they can numb other areas of the mouth such as the tongue or cheeks.

It’s important to note that numbing medications are not FDA approved for a sore throat. The FDA has also issued a warning that medications containing benzocaine should not be given to children under 2 years of age. This is because these products can cause oxygen levels in the blood to drop to dangerously low levels.

Demulcents

Oral demulcents work by coating the throat with a soothing film that helps with redness and pain. Examples include:

• Throat lozenges

• Cough drops

• Sore throat and cough pops

• Throat spray

These products may combine additional active ingredients. Many oral demulcents often contain a numbing agent to reduce pain and soothe the throat. Some examples of these combination medications for a sore throat include:

• Glycerin and phenol (Chloraseptic Max Strength Sore Throat Spray)

• Benzocaine, honey, and glycerin (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)

• Menthol, honey, and glycerin (Ricola Dual Action)

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can help a sore or itchy throat, especially when it comes from allergies. These medications work by blocking the release of histamine in the body, which is a chemical that can cause allergies and allergic reactions.

Here are some examples of OTC oral antihistamines:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Diphenhist)

• Loratadine (Claritin)

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

• Fexofenadine (Allegra)

• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

• Products that contain chlorpheniramine

Antihistamines can have side effects that may not be safe for everyone. This is particularly true for:

• Adults over 65 years old

• Children under 6 years old

• People with glaucoma

• Anyone who has difficulty urinating

It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before taking antihistamines, especially if you have other medical conditions or take other medications.

Which sore throat remedies work best?

Pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines are considered some of the best medicines for a sore throat. But some people may decide that OTC medications are not the right choice for them. If this is the case for you, there are several other sore throat remedies you can consider. Some non-medication options include:

• Gargling with salt water

• Ice chips or popsicles

• Warm fluids, like soups or herbal teas (chamomile tea may be particularly helpful)

• A humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to help with dryness

• Honey (only recommended for children 12 months or older)

There are additional remedies that people commonly use for a sore throat. But there’s not enough scientific evidence to know for sure how well they work. Examples include:

• Echinacea

• Licorice

• Ginger

• Peppermint

• Marshmallow root (not to be confused with foods containing marshmallow)

As with many supplements and herbal remedies, experts don’t fully understand how safe and effective these are. While many of them are likely harmless at low doses, it’s always best to use caution. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider or local pharmacist — especially if you take other medications.

How to prevent a sore throat

Beyond medications and remedies, there are also some steps you can take to prevent a sore throat:

• Identify allergens or triggers that might be causing your throat to get worse. This way, you can avoid them in the future.

• Stay away from smoke, which can cause dryness or soreness in the throat.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Avoid people who are sick.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a sore throat can get worse. If you notice that symptoms like redness or pain worsen, talk with your healthcare provider. They can make other recommendations or prescribe medications to help treat your sore throat.