The Best OTC Medications for a Sore Throat, According to a Pharmacist 

Winter is almost upon us. It comes with more than its fair share of seasonal allergies like cough, cold, flu, and sore throat.

Tessa Spencer is a pharmacist who knows the ins and outs of drugs prescribed by doctors during this season. She says that a sore throat is a symptom of either a bacterial infection or a viral infection. It also could be a sign that both infections are present.

Bacterial infections also have a sore throat as a symptom. You can only resolve this infection with antibiotics. However, if the sore throat is a symptom of a viral infection, over the counter meds can be taken.

These soothing remedies will help you spend the winter as you’re supposed to – in glee, and enjoying the holiday fun.

1. Fever + Sore Throat

The best over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat if you also have a fever is acetaminophen or Tylenol. Ibuprofen is also one of Spencer’s favorite OTC medications to relieve symptoms like sore throat. The best thing is that these medications can be found easily on drugstore shelves.

2. Throat Pain + Sore Throat

You have inflammation if you have a lot of pain because of your sore throat. Ibuprofen is the best OTC sore throat med with anti-inflammatory properties that helps with throat pain. And if you have a fever combined with throat pain, that will be gone too.

However, if you have a kidney problem, you should not use ibuprofen as it is unsafe for these people. Likewise, if you have liver disease, you should avoid Tylenol.

If you have other chronic illnesses like blood pressure or diabetes, consulting with your physician is probably the best option.

3. Natural Remedies

Spencer also suggests some natural remedies that can help with sore throat-causing illnesses. For example, mixing honey with warm water and drinking it whenever you feel pain and soreness in the throat is an excellent remedy.

Another remedy is drinking herbal teas like ginger and eucalyptus can help relieve the pain. Additionally, gargling with warm water mixed with salt is a must to alleviate sore throat symptoms.

4. When to Consult a Physician?

A sore throat could be a sign of something serious too. If these home remedies and OTC drugs do not relieve the pain and soreness within three days, it is time to consult a physician.

A bacterial infection might be causing your sore throat. Also, if you have an earache, joint pain, or excess saliva, you should immediately consult a physician, as it could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection.

Final Words

Sore throats are quite common in the winter season. They might be indicative of a bacterial or viral infection. Taking OTC medication for three days is recommended.

After that, you must consult a physician so they can diagnose the issue and give you the proper medications.