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Does Mucinex help with a sore throat?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on June 19, 2023.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Yes, there are 4 Mucinex over-the-counter (OTC) daytime products that can help with your sore throat. Three products come as lozenges that contain hexylresorcinol and one is an oral spray with benzocaine. They all belong to the Mucinex InstaSoothe line of products.

How do I use Mucinex for a sore throat?

Mucinex for sore throats comes as oral lozenges you dissolve in your mouth or as an oral spray. You can use these OTC medicines throughout the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth, a canker sore or a cough, depending upon your symptoms and the product you select.

Mucinex Products for Sore Throat

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth and a cough. It may also help relieve pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 5 mg of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan and 2 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with alpine herbs and fresh mint.

Dose

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Soothing Comfort lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 2.4 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with honey and echinacea.

Dose

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 2 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with elderberry and wild cherry.

Dose

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief throat spray is used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. The active ingredients include the numbing medicine and pain reliever benzocaine 7% and pain reliever menthol 1%. This product is alcohol-free and cherry-flavored.

Dose

Mucinex also makes other products that target symptoms due to chest congestion from the cold or flu, sinus and nasal congestion, sore throat as part of the cold or flu, and specific medicines targeted for children. Ask your pharmacist if you are having trouble deciding on the right product for your symptoms.

Related questions

Do I need an antibiotic for a sore throat?

Sore throats are usually viral in nature, do not typically need an antibiotic, and often clear up with home treatment in a few days. Other causes for sore throat include viral laryngitis or tonsillitis. However, some sore throats like strep throat can be bacterial and may need diagnosis and treatment by your doctor.

Common symptoms of sore throats include throat pain that might get worse when talking, eating or swallowing; Enlarged, painful glands in your neck area; and inflamed, reddened throat and tonsils.

Home remedies you can try to help relieve your symptoms include:

Learn more: Sore Throat Overview

If your sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting, consult your doctor right away. They may decide to do a throat swab test to determine if an antibiotic is needed.

How much does Mucinex cost?

In general, Mucinex products will range from $5.00 to $10.00 per item, depending upon your location and pharmacy. These products can usually be found at common retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, your community pharmacy and local grocery and convenience stores

The cost for this medicine is eligible for your health savings plan or flexible spending account and you may be able to get an online coupon from the manufacturer.

This is not all the information you need to know about Mucinex for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full OTC Drug Facts Information label found on the specific Mucinex product before using it. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

Does Mucinex help with Covid?

Mucinex products do not help to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus itself, but might help relieve some of the symptoms of COVID, like chest congestion, cough, or headache. Select a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Continue reading

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