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What Is the Best Medicine for a Sore Throat?

Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Related Tags: sore | throats | cepacol | zinc | ibuprofen
 

Instructions

Causes of a Sore Throat

  • Step 1:
    Sore throats can be brought on by viruses or bacteria. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics and usually must just run their course while you wait it out, treating symptoms as they arise. Bacterial sore throats--the most common being known as strep throat--can be extremely painful and last for a week or more. Bacterial sore throats can be treated with antibiotics, which your doctor can prescribe.

Cepacol Sore Throat Spray

  • Step 1:
    One of the best sore-throat medications is Cepacol Sore Throat Spray, which contains the numbing agent benzocaine. When sprayed on the throat, your throat temporarily becomes numb, which many people find is a relief. Cepacol Sore Throat Lozenges act in the same manner but to a lesser degree.

Medications for Sore Throats

  • Step 1:
    Many doctors will suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever to combat sore-throat pain. Tylenol and ibuprofen are the most common pain relievers. Both can ease the pain from a sore throat. Ibuprofen can reduce swelling and inflammation associated with sore throats. You can take a dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen in four-hour intervals, and it is safe to take them in rotation, Tylenol one time and ibuprofen the next.

Zinc Lozenges

  • Step 1:
    Zinc long has been used to combat colds and sore throats. To use zinc lozenges, suck on the tablet and let it dissolve in your mouth. The zinc enters your system and combats the source of the sore throat.

Considerations for Medications for Sore Throats

  • Step 1:
    Typically, if a sore throat does not dissipate in a reasonable amount of time or gets worse, you should see your doctor. Some sore throats are related to serious conditions and should not be ignored, especially if the sore throat does not heal. You also seek medical attention if a typical sore-throat remedy does not bring relief.

Resources


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