Treatment options

Most sore throats, while uncomfortable, are short-lived and will usually resolve within a week. As with any minor ailment, there is lots that sufferers can do to relieve their symptoms and there are many OTC products available to help. Remember to always check age suitability.

OTC products

1. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease discomfort and reduce a fever.
2. Local painkillers in lozenges – for example, flurbiprofen lozenges (e.g. Strefen) and products containing benzydamine for gargling, rinsing or spraying (e.g. Difflam) can help to ease pain.
3. Aspirin dissolved in water may be used as a gargle but can cause side effects such as stomach irritation. It is not suitable for anyone under 16 years of age and in some other circumstances, so always check with the pharmacist if anyone asks about this.
4. Pastilles and lozenges containing soothing ingredients like honey and lemon can help to relieve irritation and stop the throat feeling dry (e.g. Strepsils Lozenges, Jakemans Lozenges, Potter’s Pastilles).
5. Local anaesthetics such as benzocaine in lozenges and sprays can help to ease pain and difficulty swallowing. They should not be used for more than three days at a time. Examples include Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray. Some products combine a local anaesthetic with an antiseptic to fight infection and help numb pain at the same time (e.g. Covonia Sore Throat Spray).
6. Antiseptic lozenges containing ingredients such as dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol or chlorhexidine help to fight bacteria (e.g. Mac, Strepsils). Some also contain a local anaesthetic to numb pain (e.g. Chloralieve Lozenges, Covonia Medicated Lozenges).

Sore throats are part of the Pharmacy First service in England. Head to: tmmagazine.co.uk/learning/pharmacy-first-sore-throat to learn more.