List of 15 Best Medicines for Sore Throat – Composition, Dosage, Popularity & More

A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat.

Pain in the throat is one of the most common symptoms. It accounts for more than 13 million visits to doctor’s offices each year.

Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it’ll usually go away on its own.

Sore throats are divided into types, based on the part of the throat they affect:

• Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
• Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
• Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.

The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on what caused it. A sore throat can feel:

• scratchy
• burning
• raw
• dry
• tender
• irritated

It may hurt more when you swallow or talk. Your throat or tonsils might also look red. Sometimes, white patches or areas of pus will form on the tonsils. These white patches are more common in strep throat than in a sore throat caused by a virus.

Causes of sore throats range from infections to injuries. Here are eight of the most common sore throat causes.

1. Colds, the flu, and other viral infections

Viruses cause about 90 percent of sore throats (2). Among the viruses that cause sore throats are:

• the common cold
• influenza — the flu
• mononucleosis, is an infectious disease that’s transmitted through saliva
• measles, an illness that causes a rash and fever
• chickenpox, an infection that causes a fever and an itchy, bumpy rash
• mumps, an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands in the neck

2. Strep throat and other bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The most common one is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Strep throat causes nearly 40 percent of sore throat cases in children (3). Tonsillitis and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat.

3. Allergies

When the immune system reacts to allergy triggers like pollen, grass, and pet dander, it releases chemicals that cause symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and throat irritation.

Excess mucus in the nose can drip down the back of the throat. This is called postnasal drip and can irritate the throat.

4. Dry air

Dry air can suck moisture from the mouth and throat, and leave them feeling dry and scratchy. The air is most likely dry in the winter months when the heater is running.

5. Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants

Many different chemicals and other substances in the environment irritate the throat, including:

cigarette and other tobacco smoke

air pollution

cleaning products and other chemicals

After September 11, more than 62 percent of responding firefighters reported frequent sore throats. Only 3.2 percent had had sore throats before the World Trade Center disaster (4).

6. Injury

Any injury, such as a hit or cut to the neck, can cause pain in the throat. Getting a piece of food stuck in your throat can also irritate it.

Repeated use strains the vocal cords and muscles in the throat. You can get a sore throat after yelling, talking loudly, or singing for a long period of time. Sore throats are a common complaint among fitness instructors and teachers, who often have to yell (4).

7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus — the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

The acid burns the esophagus and throat, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux — the regurgitation of acid into your throat.

8. Tumor

A tumor of the throat, voice box, or tongue is a less common cause of a sore throat. When a sore throat is a sign of cancer, it doesn’t go away after a few days.

Most sore throats get better on their own, within a few days. Bacterial infections like strep throat need to be treated with antibiotics. See a doctor for severe symptoms like trouble swallowing or breathing, a stiff neck, or a high fever.

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List of Top 15 Medicines for a Sore throat

1. Strepsils
2. Tyrozets
3. Menthol
4. Grether’s pastilles
5. Honey and Lemon Syrup
6. Citric Acid Monohydrate
7. Glycerol and sugar
8. Buttercup syrup
9. Benzocaine
10. Lidocaine and chlorhexidine
11. Benzydamine hydrochloride
12. Lidocaine
13. Ibuprofen
14. Aspirin
15. Paracetamol

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Top 15 Medicines for a Sore Throat in India (Tablets, Syrups & More)

1. Strepsils: Relives a sore throat

• Brand name – Strepsils lozenges
• Composition – Amylmetacresol and Levomenthol
• Popularity level – 9
• The combination of two antiseptics (2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2mg, Amylmetacresol 0.6mg) and Levomenthol (a mild local anesthetic) provide action for dual relief from a sore throat and irritating coughs. This medicine is suitable for adults and children over 6 years.
• Dosage –  Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 – 3 hours as required, up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. Do not exceed the stated dose.
• Strepsils Sore Throat and Cough Lozenges are available in pack sizes of 24 lozenges.

2. Tyrozets: Cure’s sore throat due to a throat infection

• Brand name – Tyrozets lozenges
• Composition – Tyrothricin and Benzocaine
• Popularity level – 8
• Tyrothricin from Bacillus brevis is a complex mixture of several polypeptides and its main action stems from the content of neutral gramicidins (20%), which neutralize the phosphorylation of the respiration chains. It is effective mainly against gram-positive bacteria and cocci, against some fungi, and some gram-negative bacteria.
• Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic of the ester type which remains localized for long periods to produce anaesthetic action. It is poorly absorbed in water.
• Dosage –  The lozenges are for short-term treatment only. If, after 2 days of taking this medicine, your symptoms have not improved, you should consider discontinuing use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use it for longer than 5 consecutive days.
• Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth and do not swallow it whole.
• This medicine is not recommended for children under 3 years old.
• Price – A pack of 24 lozenges costs ₹2500.

3. Menthol: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – Menthol Sweets
• Composition – Menthol
• Popularity level – 9
• Sucking on menthol cough confectionery can help soothe discomfort caused by a sore throat.
• Dosage –  Consume one or two tablets as per requirement.
• Price – A pack of 10g menthol sweets costs $4.

4. Grether’s pastilles: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – Grether’s pastilles
• Composition – Maltitol syrup, food-grade gelatine, acidifier (citric acid), thickener (agar-agar), glycerine (1.5%), blueberry juice (3.3%), vegetable oil (coconut oil and rapeseed oil), a coating agent (beeswax), flavoring, coloring grape extract, sweetener (acesulfame-K).
• Popularity level – 9
• The fruity pastilles have a soothing effect on sore throats and strained voices. They moisten a dry mouth and smooth the mucous membranes.
• Dosage – Consume one or two tablets as per requirement.
• Price – A 15 oz pack costs $40.

5. Honey and Lemon Syrup: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – Veno’s Honey and Lemon Syrup
• Composition – Glucose liquid, honey and lemon juice
• Popularity level – 8
• Veno’s Honey and Lemon relieves the symptoms of tickly coughs and sore throats. The medicine contains three active ingredients: glucose liquid, honey and lemon juice to help relieve your symptoms.
• Dosage – Adults and children aged 12 years and over: Take a 15 ml dose (three 5 ml spoonfuls) every 2 to 3 hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours.
• Children aged 6 to under 12 years: Give a 10 ml dose (two 5ml spoonfuls) every
• 2 to 3 hours as needed. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
• Children aged 2 to under 6 years: Give a 5 ml (one 5 ml spoonful) every 2 to 3 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Price – A 100 ml bottle of the syrup costs £3.37

6. Citric Acid Monohydrate: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – Simple Linctus
• Composition – Citric Acid Monohydrate
• Popularity level – 7
• Simple Linctus is a demulcent used for the symptomatic relief of coughs. It coats the throat and relieves the symptoms of coughs. Citric Acid Monohydrate relieves the symptoms of coughs.
• Dosage – Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years:
• Take 1 x 5ml spoonful. Repeat up to 4 times a day if required. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
• Price – A 100ml bottle of the medicine costs $2.

7. Glycerol and sugar: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – BENYLIN Children’s Cough & Sore Throat Syrup
• Composition – Glycerol and sugar
• Popularity level – 9
• The Glycerol and sugar mixture in the BENYLIN® Children’s Dry Cough and Sore Throat Syrup help soothe inflamed areas of your throat.
• The syrup is non-drowsy with a blackcurrant flavor. Soothes dry and tickly coughs for children aged 1 year and over.
• Dosage – Children 1-5 years one 5ml spoonful
• Give 3-4 times within 24 hours, as required. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Not suitable for children under 1 year
• Price – A 125ml bottle of the syrup costs £4.

8. Buttercup syrup: Cures a sore throat

• Brand name – Buttercup syrup
• Composition – Squill liquid extract and capsicum tincture
• Popularity level – 7
• Buttercup original cough syrup contains two active ingredients, squill liquid extract and capsicum tincture. Squill is a plant extract that has a mild expectorant effect. It helps to loosen up phlegm, making it easier to cough up. Capsicum tincture provides an aromatic, ‘warming’ flavor.
• The syrup base also coats and soothes the back of the throat. This eases a sore throat and helps to stop annoying tickly sensations that can make you want to cough. It may also offer some protection to the throat from irritants such as smoke or dust particles that could otherwise cause coughing.
• Dosage – Adults and children over 12 years of age should take two 5ml spoonfuls three times a day and at bedtime as needed.
• If your symptoms persist for more than seven days or get worse, get advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
• Price – A 200ml of the syrup costs $9.

9. Benzocaine: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – Ultra chloraseptic spray
• Composition – Benzocaine
• Popularity level – 7
• Ultra chloraseptic anaesthetic throat spray contains the active ingredient benzocaine, which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic.
• Local anaesthetics numb the area they’re applied to. They work by temporarily stopping pain signals from building up and traveling along the nerves to the brain. This relieves pain in the area to which they are applied.
• Dosage – Before you use the spray for the first time you should press the pump down three times to activate it. Point the spray away from your face while you do this.
• When you are ready, open your mouth and point the spray nozzle at the back of your throat.
• Hold your breath and press the pump down to spray. Do not breathe in the spray.
• Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age should administer three sprays to the back of the throat every two to three hours as needed. Do not use more than 8 times in 24 hours.
• For children aged 6 to 12 years, administer one spray to the back of the throat every two to three hours as needed. Do not use more than 8 times in 24 hours. Do not use in a child who is unable to hold their breath while you administer the spray.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine.
• Price – A 15ml bottle of the spray costs $12.

10. Lidocaine and chlorhexidine: Cure’s sore throat due to infection

• Brand name – Covonia throat spray
• Composition – Lidocaine, and chlorhexidine
• Popularity level – 6
• Covonia throat spray contains two active ingredients, lidocaine, and chlorhexidine.
• Lidocaine is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. It numbs pain in the area where you apply it by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves.
• Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent that kills various bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause throat infections. It helps kill the germs that may be associated with causing your sore throat.
• Dosage – Adults and children aged 12 years and over should use three to five sprays for each dose. This can be repeated 6 to 10 times a day as needed.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• If you still have a sore throat after two days you should see your doctor. The spray should not be used continuously on a regular basis.
• To use the spray, raise the spray nozzle from vertical to horizontal position. Hold your head upright and open your mouth. Point the nozzle at the back of your throat and press the spray button three to five times.
• After each dose turns the spray nozzle back down to close the spray.
• If the spray doesn’t seem to work the nozzle may have become blocked. You should remove the spray nozzle from the pump and clean it in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Allow it to dry before fixing it back onto the pump.
• Price – A 30ml bottle of the spray costs £6.

11. Benzydamine hydrochloride: Cure’s inflammation of a sore throat

• Brand name – Difflam spray
• Composition – Benzydamine hydrochloride
• Popularity level – 5
• The difflam spray contains the active ingredient benzydamine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• Benzydamine works by stopping the production of various chemicals in the body that causes inflammation. Benzydamine reduces inflammation and pain in the area it’s applied to.
• Benzydamine also acts as a mild local anaesthetic, causing numbness and pain relief at the site of application.
• How to use: Difflam spray should be sprayed directly onto the painful area in the mouth or throat to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Dosage – Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age should spray four to eight puffs onto the painful area every one and a half to three hours.
• For children aged 6 to 12 years, spray four puffs onto the painful area every one and a half to three hours.
• For children under six years of age, you need to know how much the child weighs. Spray one puff for every 4kg of body weight, up to a maximum of four puffs, every one and a half to three hours.
• Take care to avoid getting the spray in your eyes. If you accidentally get it in the eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.
• Get medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse despite using this spray.
• Price – A 30ml bottle of the spray costs ₹2,925.

12. Lidocaine: Relieves a sore throat

• Brand name – BOOTS ANAESTHETIC SORE THROAT RELIEF 2 % W/V SPRAY
• Composition – Lidocaine hydrochloride
• Popularity level – 6
• Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic of the amide type. It relieves pain via local action.
• Dosage – Adults and children over 12 years: Three sprays. Aim the nozzle at the back of the throat and spray on to the affected area. Repeat the dose every three hours as needed up to a maximum of six times in 24 hours.
• Children under 12 years: Should not be given to children less than 12 years of age.
• Price – A 1oz bottle of the spray costs $7.

13. Ibuprofen: Cures a sore throat

• Brand name – Nurofen Meltlets
• Composition – Ibuprofen
• Popularity level – 6
• Nurofen Meltlets is a lemon flavored pain relief treatment. Self-dissolving tablets, no need for water. Nurofen Meltlets relieve pain, reduce inflammation and temperature. Ideal for providing relief from a range of symptoms, including a migraine, headaches, cramping, and period pain, dental pain, neuralgia, rheumatic and muscular pain, feverishness and symptoms of colds and flu.
• Dosage – Adults and children 12 years and overtake two tablets initially then if necessary take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
• Elderly: There is no need for dose reduction in the elderly.
• Price – A pack of 12 metlets cost £3.30

14. Aspirin: Cures a sore throat

• Brand name – Disprin
• Composition – Aspirin
• Popularity level – 9
• Disprin tablets and Disprin direct tablets contain the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin. Aspirin works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX).
• COX is involved in the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain, swelling and inflammation, and thromboxane, which causes platelets to clump together and make blood clots. By blocking the action of COX, aspirin prevents the production of these chemicals.
• Disprin tablets contain 300mg of aspirin, which reduces the production of prostaglandins and so relieves pain and inflammation. Aspirin also brings down a fever by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain.
• Dosage – Each Disprin soluble tablet and each Disprin direct tablet contains 300mg aspirin.
• To relieve pain, inflammation, and fever: Adults and adolescents over 16 years of age should take one to three tablets every four to six hours as needed. Do not take more than 13 tablets in any 24 hour period.
• Price – A pack of 10 tablets costs ₹5.

15. Paracetamol: Cures a sore throat

• Brand name – Panadol ActiFast
• Composition – Paracetamol
• Popularity level – 9
• Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic actions. The mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.
• Dosage – Adults, including the elderly and children 16 years and over: Two tablets to be taken with half a tumbler of water (100 ml). To ensure fast onset of pain relief no less than two tablets must be taken with 100 ml of water. For maximum speed of action this should be on an empty stomach. Two tablets up to four times daily as required. The dose should not be repeated more frequently than every four hours nor should more than four doses be taken in any 24 hour period.
• Children aged 12-15 years: One tablet to be taken with half a tumbler of water (100ml), up to four times daily as required. The dose should not be repeated more frequently than every four hours nor should more than 4 doses be given in any 24 hour period.
• Children under 12 years of age: Panadol ActiFast is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
• Price – A pack of 14 tablets costs £3.