How can I treat a sore throat at home?

Sore throats are often caused by viruses, allergies, bacteria, or exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke. A sore throat rarely needs antibiotics. Only a small percentage of sore throats are caused by bacteria, an infection that requires antibiotics. Sore throats often go away on their own.

How can I relieve a sore throat?

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products available at your local pharmacy that can help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best product for you. OTC products include:

• Cough drops
• Sore throat spray with phenol
• Antihistamines if your sore throat is caused by allergies
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen

Are there home remedies that can relieve sore throat pain?

There are also home remedies for relieving a sore throat that use items you may already have at home in your kitchen cupboard.

• Gargling with salt water
• Sucking on popsicles or ice chips
• Eating honey or drinking a spoonful of honey dissolved in warm water
• Drinking lots of fluids to help keep your throat moist

How do I know if I should see a doctor for my sore throat or if I need an antibiotic?

Consider seeing a doctor for your sore throat if:

• If you have a sore throat and a fever
• If you are having a hard time breathing
• If you have a severe sore throat
• If you have a sore throat that is not improving or is worsening over a week

These symptoms might be a sign of an infection that needs antibiotics.

Related questions

• Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
• Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?

Pharmacist's Tips:

• Avoid giving lozenges to young children, who may choke
• Avoid giving honey to babies younger than 12 months
• Products containing menthol can safely be used every 2 hours to relieve sore throat pain
• Before taking any medications, whether they are OTC or prescription, be sure to read the drug facts label to make sure you are taking the right dose

Summary:

A sore throat may be caused by many different things. Unless a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics will not help. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection and use these tips to help soothe your sore throat. Talk to your pharmacist or another healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medications. If you are worried about your sore throat or have a sore throat that won't go away, consider seeing your doctor.

See also:

Related medical questions

• Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
• Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
• Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• What's the best medicine for sore throat?
• How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
• Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide
• How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
• Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
• Can I take ibuprofen with blood pressure medications?
• Is ibuprofen (Advil) a blood thinner?
• Is Ibuprofen bad for your kidneys and liver?
• What temperature is considered a fever?
• Can you take ibuprofen 800 mg with tramadol 50 mg?
• How long does ibuprofen take to work?
• Can ibuprofen cause constipation?
• What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
• All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?
• Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
• Why is Ibuprofen dangerous for dogs? Here are safer alternatives
• Can you take Ibuprofen after the COVID booster vaccine?
• What are the inactive ingredients in ibuprofen?
• I just took ibuprofen and prednisone, is that ok?
• Which painkiller should you use?

Related support groups

• Ibuprofen (267 questions, 239 members)
• Naproxen (169 questions, 269 members)
• Acetaminophen (162 questions, 218 members)
• Honey (4 questions, 18 members)
• Menthol (4 questions, 11 members)
• Soothe (3 questions, 8 members)
• Phenol (2 questions, 5 members)
• Pain (2,296 questions, 11,960 members)
• Infections (619 questions, 995 members)
• Bacterial Infection (143 questions, 281 members)
• Fever (106 questions, 176 members)

AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.