From the Guidelines
Over-the-counter options for treating pharyngitis include pain relievers, throat lozenges, and sprays, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen being recommended for pain relief. For pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400 mg every 6-8 hours can reduce throat pain and inflammation, as supported by studies such as 1. Throat lozenges containing benzocaine (Cepacol), menthol (Halls), or zinc (Cold-Eeze) can provide temporary numbing relief when dissolved slowly in the mouth. Phenol-containing sprays like Chloraseptic can be sprayed directly onto the throat for quick numbing effects. Salt water gargles using 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water can reduce swelling and loosen mucus. Honey mixed in warm tea or taken by the teaspoon can coat and soothe the throat. Staying hydrated with warm or cold fluids helps keep the throat moist. These remedies work by either reducing inflammation, providing a protective coating, or temporarily numbing pain receptors in the throat tissue. Some key points to consider when treating pharyngitis include:
- The use of cough suppressants, expectorants, first-generation antihistamines, decongestants, and β-agonists may provide symptomatic relief, but data to support specific therapies are limited, as noted in 2.
- β-Agonists have not been shown to benefit patients without asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease, as stated in 2.
- Over-the-counter symptomatic relief has a low incidence of minor adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and drowsiness, as reported in 2. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, are accompanied by high fever, or make swallowing extremely difficult, medical attention should be sought as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring prescription treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses for the temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat Relieves sore throat The over-the-counter (OTC) options for treating pharyngitis include:
- Phenol (TOP), an oral anesthetic/analgesic spray, which can provide temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat [3] [4]
From the Research
Over-the-counter (OTC) options for treating pharyngitis
- Systemic analgesics such as acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, flurbiprofen, or ibuprofen are valid treatment options for pharyngitis 5
- Ibuprofen shows the best benefit-risk profile among systemic analgesics 5
- Local anesthetics such as lidocain, benzocaine, and ambroxol are available and can be recommended in the first-line treatment 5
- Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) or hexylresorcinol can provide symptomatic relief for sore throat 6, 7
- Carrageenan-containing lozenges have been shown to have virucidal effects against respiratory viruses and can be used as a causative therapy against viral infections of the throat 6
Specific OTC medications
- Ibuprofen (400 mg) has been shown to be more effective than acetaminophen (1000 mg) in relieving sore throat pain 8
- Acetaminophen (1000 mg) is still a valid treatment option for pharyngitis, although it may not be as effective as ibuprofen 8
- AMC/DCBA lozenges and hexylresorcinol lozenges have been shown to have virucidal effects against certain respiratory viruses 7