From the Guidelines
For a sore throat, the best medicine is typically over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), as they are effective in reducing pain and inflammation, and have a low risk of adverse effects 1. Some key points to consider when treating a sore throat include:
- Adults can take acetaminophen 325-650mg every 4-6 hours (not exceeding 3000mg daily) or ibuprofen 200-400mg every 4-6 hours with food (not exceeding 1200mg daily) 1.
- Throat lozenges containing benzocaine (Cepacol) or menthol (Halls) can provide temporary numbing relief 1.
- Warm salt water gargles (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times daily can reduce inflammation and pain 1.
- Staying hydrated with warm liquids like tea with honey helps soothe irritation and thin mucus 1. However, if the sore throat is severe, lasts longer than a week, is accompanied by high fever (over 101°F), difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you have a weakened immune system, you should see a doctor as antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections like strep throat 1. It's also important to note that antibiotics should only be used when a bacterial infection is confirmed, as they can have adverse effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance 1. In the case of a confirmed bacterial infection, penicillin or amoxicillin is the recommended antibiotic of choice, as they have a narrow spectrum of activity, are effective, and have a low risk of adverse effects 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.