Table of contents:
- Prescription medication for sore throat
- Antibiotics
- Chloraseptic
- OTC remedies for sore throats
- Pain relievers
- Lozenges
Sore throats are usually caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. Symptoms include pain, burning, pain when swallowing, and pain in the neck. This condition generally clears up on its own within 3 to 7 days. However, you don't want to linger on a series of uncomfortable symptoms. Various prescription and over-the-counter medications for sore throats can help relieve very annoying symptoms.
Prescription medication for sore throat
The following are various medications for sore throats that are usually prescribed by doctors:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics will usually only be prescribed if the cause of the sore throat is bacteria. If the cause is viral then antibiotics are not the right medicine.
Usually, if you have a bacterial sore throat, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic such as penicillin. This one drug does not make you recover quickly but can reduce the risk of a bacterial infection spreading to other parts of the body.
Chloraseptic
Chloraseptic is a spray as well as a mouth rinse that is commonly prescribed for sore throats. Both mouthwash and spray are usually used and left on for 15 seconds before finally spitting out.
Be careful not to swallow this one drug and use it according to the doctor's instructions.
OTC remedies for sore throats
In addition to the medicines your doctor prescribes, the following are options for sore throat medications that are sold at the nearest pharmacy:
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and fever when you have a sore throat.
While NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce inflammation and also relieve pain. Both of them both help relieve the symptoms of pain that appear when a sore throat.
Lozenges
Lozenges or lozenges are usually quite effective options for treating sore throats. Over-the-counter lozenges usually contain menthol, which is a substance that temporarily numbs the tissue in your throat.
Usually the sensation caused by menthol can help reduce the burning sensation and also pain in the throat. Not only that, lozenges also help stimulate the release of saliva so that it keeps the throat moist.
