If you are unfamiliar with the various treatment options for sore throat then check out our self-help page. Remember to always discuss over-the-counter treatment with your local pharmacist so they can check if it is suitable for your condition and safe for you to take.
A sore throat is a common condition that is normally a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection. Most sore throats are not serious and usually pass without the need of medical treatment. Over-the-counter painkillers, throat sprays or lozenges can help ease symptoms. You should consider getting medical advice if your symptoms are severe or not responding to over-the-counter remedies.
The following treatments for sore throat are available over the counter from your pharmacist
Lozenges
| Treatments |
|---|
|
Beechams Sore Throat Lozenges Dequadin Lozenges Tyrozets Lozenges Vocalzone Throat Pastilles Strefen (contains Flurbipfrofen) Strepsils Lozenges |
Sprays
| Treatments |
|---|
|
AAA Sore Throat Spray (contains benzocaine) Covonia Throat Spray (contains chlorhexidine and lidocaine) Ultra Chloraseptic Anesthetic Throat Spray (contains benzocaine) Children’s Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray (contains benzocaine) Difflam Spray (contains benzydamine) Difflam Sore Throat Rinse (contains benzydamine) |
Pain relief
| Active ingredient | Brands |
|---|---|
ParacetamolThis is a simple painkiller with few side effects and is safe to take with most medication. |
Suitable for all ages: Calpol (liquid)Suitable for ages 6 and up: Anadin ParacetamolHedex Suitable for ages 10 and up: PanadolSuitable for ages 16 and up: Beechams Cold & Flu capsules/sachets |
IbuprofenThis medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers. |
Suitable for ages 3 months and up: Nurofen (liquid)Cuprofen (liquid) Calprofen (liquid) Suitable for ages 12 and up: Anadin ibuprofen |
AspirinThis medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers or take medication that thins your blood. |
Suitable for ages 16 and up: Alka-SeltzerAnadin Extra Anadin Disprin |
Co-codamol (codeine/paracetamol)These painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Panadol UltraParacodol |
Dihydrocodeine/ParacetamolThese painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Paramol |
Codeine/ibuprofenThese painkillers contain a combination of codeine and ibuprofen and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Nurofen PlusSolpadeine Max Solpadeine Plus Syndol |