What's the best medicine for sore throat?

Sore throats are common and usually get better on their own. Most are caused by viral infections, but they can also result from smoking, allergies, environmental irritants like pollution or air conditioning, or even excessive yelling. Occasionally, bacteria are to blame—either as the primary cause or by taking advantage of an already weakened immune system. When bacteria are involved, sore throats tend to be more serious and typically require treatment with antibiotics.

How do I know if my sore throat is caused by bacteria?

The only way to know for sure is through a throat swab sent to a lab for testing. However, certain signs can help you guess the likely cause:

• Viral sore throats usually come with cold symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, or a cough.
• Allergy-related sore throats often involve sneezing, red or itchy eyes, or an itchy roof of the mouth.
• Pollution or irritant-related sore throats often improve once exposure is removed.

Bacterial sore throats, especially those caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat), tend to:

• Come on suddenly and severely
• Affect children aged 5 to 15 more frequently
• Cause difficulty swallowing, bright red and swollen tonsils, or visible pus
• Lead to fever, headache, swollen neck glands, or vomiting (especially in kids)

Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. It's more common between November and April, and in crowded environments like schools or military camps. If someone in your household has strep, there's about a 1 in 4 chance others will catch it within 2–7 days.

Why is it important to treat strep throat?

Left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, including:

• Otitis media (ear infections)
• Scarlet fever – a red rash that feels like sandpaper
• Rheumatic fever – an inflammatory condition that may cause heart damage
• Kidney disease, bone infections, and blood poisoning

Antibiotics significantly reduce the risk of these complications when started promptly. People with strep throat or scarlet fever should stay home for at least 24 hours after beginning antibiotics or until they feel better.

What antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial sore throat?

The most common antibiotics for strep throat include:

• Penicillin – recommended as the first-line treatment by the CDC
• Amoxicillin – often used for children due to better taste and convenient dosing
• Cephalexin – an option for those allergic to penicillin
• Azithromycin or clarithromycin – alternatives for broader coverage or penicillin allergies

See the full list of antibiotics for strep throat.

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How do you cure a sore throat?

Most sore throats run their course without treatment, but several remedies can help ease discomfort in the meantime:

• Honey – antibacterial and helps reduce throat inflammation
• Saltwater gargle – mix ½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water; gargle for 20 seconds, three times daily
• Slippery elm bark – forms a soothing gel that coats the throat
• Licorice root – contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds
• Marshmallow root – creates a protective film over throat tissues
• Other natural remedies: honeysuckle, echinacea, zinc supplements

Over-the-counter medicines for sore throat relief

Drugstores offer a wide variety of sore throat treatments that can help manage symptoms:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – relieves pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – good for pain relief, but doesn’t reduce inflammation
• Lozenges – may contain anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, or antiseptics to relieve pain and stimulate saliva
• Throat sprays and gargles – deliver relief directly to the back of the throat

Always check the ingredient list to understand what each product contains. If you're unsure, ask your pharmacist for help. Finding the right sore throat treatment may take some trial and error. There is no single “best” medicine—what works well for one person may not be ideal for another.

Other sore throat relief tips

• Rest as much as possible
• Stay hydrated—drink 6–8 glasses of water daily
• Eat soft foods and cool drinks to avoid irritation
• Soups and herbal teas with honey or lemon are soothing and nourishing
• Avoid smoking and shouting to protect your throat

How can I prevent catching a sore throat?

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or personal items
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and antioxidants
• Limit sugar and alcohol, which can suppress your immune system
• Get regular exercise and adequate sleep