What are the most effective over-the-counter medicines for fever and sore throat. How do NSAIDs and acetaminophen work to relieve pain and reduce fever. What are the potential risks and side effects of common pain relievers. How to safely use OTC medications for cold and flu symptoms.

Understanding OTC Pain Relievers for Cold and Flu Symptoms

When you’re struck with a cold, fever, or flu, finding relief from symptoms becomes a top priority. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide much-needed comfort, but it’s crucial to understand how they work and how to use them safely. This comprehensive guide explores the most effective OTC pain relievers, their mechanisms of action, and important safety considerations.

Common Types of OTC Pain Relievers

There are two main categories of OTC pain relievers commonly used for cold and flu symptoms:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen

These medications work differently in the body to alleviate pain and reduce fever, providing relief from common cold and flu symptoms.

NSAIDs: Mechanism of Action and Popular Brands

NSAIDs are a class of drugs that work by reducing inflammation in the body. They help alleviate pain and lower fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances that cause pain and inflammation.

How do NSAIDs provide relief from cold and flu symptoms?

NSAIDs target the root cause of discomfort by:
1. Reducing inflammation in sore throats and congested nasal passages
2. Lowering body temperature to combat fever
3. Alleviating body aches and headaches associated with colds and flu

Popular NSAID Brands

Some well-known NSAID medications include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)

Acetaminophen: How It Works and Its Benefits

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol in some countries, is another common OTC pain reliever. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen doesn’t reduce inflammation. Instead, it works by affecting the parts of the brain that perceive pain and control body temperature.

What makes acetaminophen effective for cold and flu symptoms?

Acetaminophen provides relief by:
1. Reducing fever by resetting the body’s temperature regulation
2. Alleviating headaches and body aches
3. Offering a gentler option for those who can’t take NSAIDs

The most well-known brand of acetaminophen is Tylenol, but it’s also an active ingredient in many other OTC and prescription medications.

Safety Considerations for NSAIDs

While NSAIDs are generally safe for most people when used as directed, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

Potential Risks of NSAID Use

NSAIDs can increase the risk of:

• Serious stomach bleeding
• Heart attack and stroke
• Interactions with other medications

Who should exercise caution when using NSAIDs?

Certain individuals should consult a doctor before using NSAIDs, including those with:
1. A history of stomach problems or heartburn
2. High blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease
3. Asthma
4. A history of alcohol consumption (more than 2-3 drinks per day for women, 3-4 for men)
5. Use of blood-thinning medications

Acetaminophen Safety: Protecting Your Liver

While acetaminophen is generally considered safe, its most significant risk is liver damage when taken in excessive amounts.

How can you minimize the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen?

To use acetaminophen safely:
1. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label
2. Be aware of other medications that contain acetaminophen to avoid accidental overdose
3. Limit alcohol consumption while taking acetaminophen
4. Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing liver disease

If you suspect an acetaminophen overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact poison control.

Combination Medicines: Benefits and Risks

Many OTC cold and flu medications combine pain relievers with other ingredients to target multiple symptoms. While these can be convenient, they also come with potential risks.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of combination medicines?

Pros:
1. Target multiple symptoms with a single medication
2. Convenient for those with various cold or flu symptoms

Cons:
1. Increased risk of accidental overdose on active ingredients
2. May include unnecessary ingredients for your specific symptoms
3. Potential for drug interactions

Always read labels carefully and avoid taking multiple medications with the same active ingredients to prevent overdose.

Safe Pain Relief Strategies for Adults

To use OTC pain relievers safely and effectively, follow these guidelines:

1. Read and follow label instructions carefully
2. Use pain relievers only when necessary
3. Set a cut-off date for NSAID use to avoid prolonged intake
4. Be aware of all medications you’re taking to avoid interactions
5. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen

How can you determine which pain reliever is best for you?

Consider the following factors:
1. Your specific symptoms and their severity
2. Any pre-existing medical conditions
3. Other medications you’re currently taking
4. Past experiences with different pain relievers
5. Advice from your healthcare provider

Pediatric Pain Relief: Special Considerations for Children

When it comes to treating fever and pain in children, extra caution is necessary. The dosage and type of medication can differ significantly from adult recommendations.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing pain relievers for children?

Important considerations include:
1. The child’s age and weight
2. Specific symptoms
3. Proper dosing based on the medication’s concentration
4. Avoiding aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
5. Using medication-specific dosing devices to ensure accuracy

Always consult a pediatrician before administering any new medication to a child, especially for infants and young children.

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen for Children

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally considered safe for children when used correctly. However, they have different advantages:

• Acetaminophen: Often preferred for reducing fever
• Ibuprofen: May be more effective for reducing inflammation and pain

Alternating between the two medications can sometimes be recommended by healthcare providers for persistent fever, but this should only be done under medical supervision.

Choosing Between Acetaminophen and NSAIDs

When deciding between acetaminophen and NSAIDs for fever and pain relief, several factors come into play.

How do you determine whether to use acetaminophen or an NSAID?

Consider the following:
1. The nature of your symptoms (pain, fever, inflammation)
2. Your medical history and any contraindications
3. Potential side effects and your risk factors
4. Duration of use needed
5. Personal preference based on past experiences

In some cases, alternating between acetaminophen and an NSAID can provide more consistent relief, but this should be done carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Comparing Effectiveness

Research has shown that both acetaminophen and NSAIDs can be effective for pain and fever relief. However:
– NSAIDs may be more effective for inflammatory conditions
– Acetaminophen might be preferred for those with stomach sensitivities or bleeding risks

Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Natural Remedies to Complement OTC Medications

While OTC medications can provide significant relief, incorporating natural remedies can enhance overall comfort and potentially speed recovery.

What natural remedies can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms?

Consider these complementary approaches:
1. Staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, and clear broths
2. Using a humidifier to ease congestion and sore throat
3. Gargling with salt water for throat pain
4. Consuming honey for its natural antibacterial properties
5. Getting plenty of rest to support the immune system
6. Taking vitamin C and zinc supplements (consult a doctor first)
7. Using nasal irrigation with saline solution

These natural remedies can work alongside OTC medications to provide comprehensive relief and support the body’s healing process.

The Role of Rest and Self-Care

While medications can alleviate symptoms, adequate rest and self-care are crucial for recovery. Ensure you:
– Get sufficient sleep
– Avoid strenuous activities
– Eat nutritious foods
– Manage stress levels

Remember that allowing your body time to heal is just as important as symptom management.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cold and flu symptoms can be managed at home with OTC medications and self-care, certain situations warrant professional medical attention.

What symptoms indicate you should consult a healthcare provider?

Seek medical care if you experience:
1. Persistent high fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C for adults)
2. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
3. Chest pain or pressure
4. Severe or persistent vomiting
5. Confusion or sudden dizziness
6. Severe sinus pain
7. Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after 10 days

For children, additional red flags include:
– Fever in infants younger than 3 months
– Decreased wet diapers or signs of dehydration
– Excessive irritability or lethargy

Differentiating Between Viral and Bacterial Infections

Most colds and flu are caused by viruses and don’t respond to antibiotics. However, some symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment. These include:
– Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
– Severe sinus pain with thick, colorful nasal discharge
– Earache with fever

A healthcare provider can determine if antibiotics are necessary and provide appropriate treatment.

By understanding the various OTC pain relievers available, their mechanisms of action, and important safety considerations, you can make informed decisions about managing cold and flu symptoms. Remember to always read labels carefully, follow dosage instructions, and consult with a healthcare provider when in doubt. With the right approach, you can find relief from fever and sore throat while supporting your body’s natural healing process.

Fever and Pain Relief for Colds and Flu

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 04, 2021

• Pain Relief Basics: NSAIDs and Acetaminophen
• The Risks of Taking NSAIDs for Pain Relief
• Risks of Using Acetaminophen for Pain Relief
• The Risks of Combination Medicines
• Safe Pain Relief for Adults
• Safe Pain Relief for Children
• Acetaminophen or an NSAID: Which Is Best?
• More

If you’re looking for relief from the symptoms of a cold, fever, or the flu, you’ll find many over-the-counter (OTC) options at your local pharmacy.

The pain and fever-reducing ingredients often found in these medicines — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin — are safe for most adults if taken correctly. But in the throes of fever or the flu, you may not think as clearly about safety.

To be prepared, read this primer on OTC pain relievers, so when illness strikes, you’ll know how they work to reduce fever, aches, and pains and how to use them safely.

Two common groups of pain relievers are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Most OTC pain relief drugs contain one or the other.

These medications don’t make illnesses go away, but they can relieve some symptoms so you suffer less while the cold, flu, or fever works its way through your system.

NSAIDs. This group of drugs relieves pain and fever by tamping down on the substances in your body that cause the feeling of pain, and they help control body temperature.

Drugs in the NSAID category include:

• Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin
• Aspirin, found in Bayer or St. Joseph
• Naproxen sodium, found in Aleve

Acetaminophen. This is an active ingredient in Tylenol and many other prescription and non-prescription medications. Acetaminophen seems to work on the parts of the brain that perceive pain and control body temperature.

NSAIDs are safe for most people when taken at the right dose for a short period. However, they can increase risk for serious stomach bleeding. NSAIDs may also increase the chance for heart attack and stroke.

Ask a doctor before using NSAIDS if:

• You have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn
• You have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease
• You have asthma

Combining NSAIDs with more than two to three alcoholic drinks a day for women or three to four for men increases the risk for stomach bleeding. Taking NSAIDs along with blood-thinning medications can also increase the risk for bleeding, including serious stomach bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or take and blood-thinning medicines before using an NSAID. Others factors that increase risk for stomach bleeding include:

• Having a previous history of stomach bleeding
• Being over age 60
• Taking steroid medications, or other NSAID medications

The most serious risk from acetaminophen is liver damage. Ignoring the dose recommended on the label can put you at risk of severe liver damage.

People who are at greater risk for liver damage from acetaminophen include people with liver disease and men who drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day (or two a day or more drinks for women).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you also take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), because it may increase the risk of bleeding.

It is important to read the package labeling carefully and not exceed the maximum daily dosage. Because many other OTC and prescription products contain acetaminophen as an active ingredient, make sure to look at the list of active ingredients in other medicines you are taking in order to avoid overdosing.

Because the signs and symptoms of liver damage from acetaminophen may not be immediately noticeable, if you think you may have taken too much, call 911 or poison control (800-222-1222) immediately.

OTC pain relievers are often used with other ingredients in prescription and non-prescription medications, including some for arthritis, menstrual symptoms, allergies, and sleeplessness. To avoid an overdose, it’s important not to take two medicines that contain the same pain reliever.

Mixing medicines that contain different pain relievers can also cause problems and should not be done without talking to a doctor.

Because of the risks of overdosing on a pain medication, it’s important to keep track of how much you take and how long you take it.

Follow these other drug safety tips for using OTC pain relievers:

• Read and follow the label. It should clearly state whether a medicine contains acetaminophen or NSAIDs, the risks of the active ingredient, the highest dose you can take safely, and how long you can take it.
• Wait until you need it. Leave acetaminophen and NSAIDs on the shelf until you really need them. Limiting your intake automatically reduces your risk.
• Set a cut-off date. Before taking an NSAID, set a date to stop, based on the label’s instructions for how long you should take it before seeing a doctor.
• Don’t mix medicine with alcohol. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking NSAIDs or acetaminophen.

Drugs work differently in children than they do in adults. Take extra care when giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen and only use those products labeled specifically for your child’s age group. Adult medicines and doses are too strong for most kids and should not be given to children.

Beyond not giving aspirin to children and teens (ages 18 and under) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, follow these safety measures:

• The FDA recommends that parents not give any cough and cold medicine to children under age 2. The FDA supports the voluntary label change of drug makers to state “do not use in children under 4” for OTC cough and cold medicines.
• Talk to your pediatrician about safe OTC options for your child.
• When giving your child liquid medicine, make sure to use the appropriate measuring tool that came with the medication and not a spoon used for eating or cooking.
• There’s no need to expose your child to drugs they don’t need. Select a medicine that treats only the symptoms your child has.
• Keep all medicine out of children’s reach.

For some people, acetaminophen is the best way to reduce certain cold and flu symptoms. For others, ibuprofen does the trick. For many, both are equally effective.

How do you know which to take? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the other medicines you are taking and your medical history, such as problems with your heart, kidneys, stomach, or liver, or if you take anti-clotting medication or medication for high blood pressure.

Top Picks

Fever and Pain Relief for Colds and Flu

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 04, 2021

• Pain Relief Basics: NSAIDs and Acetaminophen
• The Risks of Taking NSAIDs for Pain Relief
• Risks of Using Acetaminophen for Pain Relief
• The Risks of Combination Medicines
• Safe Pain Relief for Adults
• Safe Pain Relief for Children
• Acetaminophen or an NSAID: Which Is Best?
• More

If you’re looking for relief from the symptoms of a cold, fever, or the flu, you’ll find many over-the-counter (OTC) options at your local pharmacy.

The pain and fever-reducing ingredients often found in these medicines — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin — are safe for most adults if taken correctly. But in the throes of fever or the flu, you may not think as clearly about safety.

To be prepared, read this primer on OTC pain relievers, so when illness strikes, you’ll know how they work to reduce fever, aches, and pains and how to use them safely.

Two common groups of pain relievers are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Most OTC pain relief drugs contain one or the other.

These medications don’t make illnesses go away, but they can relieve some symptoms so you suffer less while the cold, flu, or fever works its way through your system.

NSAIDs. This group of drugs relieves pain and fever by tamping down on the substances in your body that cause the feeling of pain, and they help control body temperature.

Drugs in the NSAID category include:

• Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin
• Aspirin, found in Bayer or St. Joseph
• Naproxen sodium, found in Aleve

Acetaminophen. This is an active ingredient in Tylenol and many other prescription and non-prescription medications. Acetaminophen seems to work on the parts of the brain that perceive pain and control body temperature.

NSAIDs are safe for most people when taken at the right dose for a short period. However, they can increase risk for serious stomach bleeding. NSAIDs may also increase the chance for heart attack and stroke.

Ask a doctor before using NSAIDS if:

• You have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn
• You have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease
• You have asthma

Combining NSAIDs with more than two to three alcoholic drinks a day for women or three to four for men increases the risk for stomach bleeding. Taking NSAIDs along with blood-thinning medications can also increase the risk for bleeding, including serious stomach bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or take and blood-thinning medicines before using an NSAID. Others factors that increase risk for stomach bleeding include:

• Having a previous history of stomach bleeding
• Being over age 60
• Taking steroid medications, or other NSAID medications

The most serious risk from acetaminophen is liver damage. Ignoring the dose recommended on the label can put you at risk of severe liver damage.

People who are at greater risk for liver damage from acetaminophen include people with liver disease and men who drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day (or two a day or more drinks for women).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you also take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), because it may increase the risk of bleeding.

It is important to read the package labeling carefully and not exceed the maximum daily dosage. Because many other OTC and prescription products contain acetaminophen as an active ingredient, make sure to look at the list of active ingredients in other medicines you are taking in order to avoid overdosing.

Because the signs and symptoms of liver damage from acetaminophen may not be immediately noticeable, if you think you may have taken too much, call 911 or poison control (800-222-1222) immediately.

OTC pain relievers are often used with other ingredients in prescription and non-prescription medications, including some for arthritis, menstrual symptoms, allergies, and sleeplessness. To avoid an overdose, it’s important not to take two medicines that contain the same pain reliever.

Mixing medicines that contain different pain relievers can also cause problems and should not be done without talking to a doctor.

Because of the risks of overdosing on a pain medication, it’s important to keep track of how much you take and how long you take it.

Follow these other drug safety tips for using OTC pain relievers:

• Read and follow the label. It should clearly state whether a medicine contains acetaminophen or NSAIDs, the risks of the active ingredient, the highest dose you can take safely, and how long you can take it.
• Wait until you need it. Leave acetaminophen and NSAIDs on the shelf until you really need them. Limiting your intake automatically reduces your risk.
• Set a cut-off date. Before taking an NSAID, set a date to stop, based on the label’s instructions for how long you should take it before seeing a doctor.
• Don’t mix medicine with alcohol. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking NSAIDs or acetaminophen.

Drugs work differently in children than they do in adults. Take extra care when giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen and only use those products labeled specifically for your child’s age group. Adult medicines and doses are too strong for most kids and should not be given to children.

Beyond not giving aspirin to children and teens (ages 18 and under) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, follow these safety measures:

• The FDA recommends that parents not give any cough and cold medicine to children under age 2. The FDA supports the voluntary label change of drug makers to state “do not use in children under 4” for OTC cough and cold medicines.
• Talk to your pediatrician about safe OTC options for your child.
• When giving your child liquid medicine, make sure to use the appropriate measuring tool that came with the medication and not a spoon used for eating or cooking.
• There’s no need to expose your child to drugs they don’t need. Select a medicine that treats only the symptoms your child has.
• Keep all medicine out of children’s reach.

For some people, acetaminophen is the best way to reduce certain cold and flu symptoms. For others, ibuprofen does the trick. For many, both are equally effective.

How do you know which to take? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the other medicines you are taking and your medical history, such as problems with your heart, kidneys, stomach, or liver, or if you take anti-clotting medication or medication for high blood pressure.

Top Picks

top 10 rating according to KP

It should be noted right away that sore throat is not an independent disease, but only a symptom of various infectious (less often other) diseases. Sore throat occurs due to acute or exacerbation of chronic inflammation in the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids or larynx.

The severity of sore throat varies widely, from subtle soreness when swallowing and itching to severe pain that provokes nausea and general malaise, accompanied by high fever. The causes can be both SARS and microbial infections, including extremely dangerous ones – meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae or streptococcus, pneumococcus.

Sore throat itself is a signal from the body that an inflammatory process is developing in the nasopharynx, which can affect the adenoids and tonsils. Usually this sensation is accompanied by redness of the posterior pharyngeal wall, uvula and tonsils, swelling, the appearance of “grain” of the posterior wall, or plaque on the surface of the tonsils.

Before choosing the best pills for sore throat, it is worth understanding its causes, evaluating additional symptoms and manifestations that may indicate the nature of the disease. In this case, you will need to consult a doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and select the right treatment. This is especially important when the sore throat is severe, accompanied by prolonged fever, cough and general malaise.

It is important to pay attention to the condition of the lymph nodes under the jaw, behind the ears, on the neck, the presence of a runny nose and skin rashes.

Doctors usually recommend tablets, sprays or lozenges, rinsing solutions with antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components in the complex treatment of colds and other diseases for which sore throat is typical ¹ . In addition, drugs also often contain local anesthetics, which only suppress pain, but do not affect its causes and do not eliminate the inflammatory process ¹ .

KP Top 10 Sore Throat Pills

We have selected drugs that have proven themselves in the practice of doctors, are often used by adults for sore throats and can help treat various inflammatory processes.

Important! All drugs have side effects and contraindications. Our material is an overview and does not serve as a guide to action. Before buying funds, consult your doctor.

FluCold ENT

Produced as round white lozenges with vanilla flavor. The drug belongs to the group of antiseptics and contains lysozyme and pyridoxine. Lysozyme belongs to protein enzymes, is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi and viruses, and helps to strengthen local immunity. Pyridoxine has an anti-aphthous effect, that is, it protects the mucous membrane of the throat from damage and the formation of ulcers and erosions.

The drug can help with sore throat accompanying various infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and larynx, catarrhal phenomena in the upper respiratory tract, erosion and ulceration in the mouth of any origin.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, allergy to chicken protein, children under 3 years of age.

Faringazone

It is a round light brown lozenge with vanilla flavor and aroma and belongs to the group of antiseptics for the treatment of the throat. The main active ingredient in the composition is ambazone, which has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and fights various bacteria, including streptococci and pneumococci, while not affecting the intestinal microflora.

The drug is indicated for the elimination of sore throat in pharyngitis, tonsillitis, gingivitis and stomatitis.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, children under 3 years of age. With caution: pregnancy and lactation.

Faringosept

Lemon flavored lozenges also belong to the group of antiseptic preparations. They contain the substance ambazon, which has a local antimicrobial effect – they fight against streptococci and pneumococci.

The drug helps to relieve sore throat and reduce inflammation in tonsillitis and pharyngitis, stomatitis and gingivitis.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, children under 3 years of age. Before use during pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to first consult a doctor.

Neo-Angin

Lozenges (including sugar-free and cherry flavored) contain a combination of three active ingredients. Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is responsible for the antiseptic effect, amylmetacresol has a disinfectant property, and levomenthol, by suppressing the activity of pain receptors, helps to anesthetize and refresh the oral cavity. Among the additional components are anise and mint oils, which also have weak anti-inflammatory properties.

The drug is indicated for infectious and inflammatory processes in the oropharynx, including against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, with stomatitis and tonsillitis, and also as an adjuvant for pharyngitis and adenoiditis. Due to the absence of sugar in the composition, the drug does not increase the risk of caries.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, children under 6 years of age.

Laringotab

Round white tablets contain a combination of lysozyme and pyridoxine hydrochloride, which provides a dual effect of the drug. Lysozyme fights bacteria, viruses and fungi, improves local immunity, relieves sore throat. Pyridoxine protects the oral and pharyngeal mucosa from erosion.

The drug is indicated as part of the complex treatment of gingivitis and stomatitis, catarrhal symptoms in colds and acute respiratory viral infections, herpetic and aphthous ulcers in the mouth.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, intolerance to lactose, fructose, glucose-galactose malabsorption, allergy to chicken protein, children under 3 years of age.

Strepsils

Lozenges are round lozenges in various flavors: lemon, lemon and honey, orange, cherry, menthol and eucalyptus. The main active ingredients in the composition are dichlorobenzene alcohol and amylmetacresol, supplemented with levomenthol, peppermint oil and anise seeds. Dichlorobenzene alcohol is responsible for the antiseptic effect of the drug, amylmetacresol destroys the proteins of fungal and microbial cells, affecting the very cause of the sore throat.

Lozenges help relieve pain and irritation in the throat during swallowing and talking, and have a soothing and refreshing effect.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, sucrase / isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, children under 6 years of age. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires prior medical advice.

Lizobakt

This is a complex preparation that contains pyridoxine (aka vitamin B6) and lysozyme, an analogue of the natural protective substance of the oral cavity and mucous membranes. Due to this composition, the drug has a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Lysozyme breaks down microbial cell walls, damages viral and fungal particles, and stimulates local immune defenses in the oral cavity. Pyridoxine helps in the healing of minor mucosal lesions, stimulates the production of immunoglobulin A.

The drug is indicated for inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and pharynx, stomatitis, gingivitis, ulcerative processes, as well as herpetic lesions of the oropharynx.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity, lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption, allergy to chicken protein, children under 3 years of age.

Septolete Total

Available in the form of lozenges in various flavors and as a spray. The drug has a combined composition of two active ingredients – benzydamine and cetylpyridinium chloride, and eucalyptus oil and levomenthol supplement the composition. Tablets in the form of lollipops have a pleasant taste and have analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal effects, freshen the breath and relieve swelling of the mucous membranes.

Indicated for sore throat against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, for the complex treatment of stomatitis, gingivitis.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, children under 6 years of age.

Grammidin Neo with anesthetic

Lozenges contain 3 active ingredients at once – gramicidin C, oxybuprocaine and cetylpyridinium chloride. The first component is a local antibiotic, the second is an anesthetic with analgesic effect, and the third is an antiseptic component. Due to such a complex composition, the agent has a therapeutic effect, inhibits the growth of harmful microflora, relieves inflammation and pain, stimulates local immunity and restores mucous membranes.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, children under 4 years of age, pregnancy (1 trimester), lactation.

Sage Green Doctor

BAA contains dry sage extract and sage essential oil. Herbal decoction of sage has long been used as a gargle for sore throats, and the tablet form retains all the beneficial properties, but is much more convenient to use.

Due to its natural composition, dietary supplement may cause an allergic reaction.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, acute nephritis, pregnancy and lactation, children under 5 years of age.

How to Choose Sore Throat Tablets for Adults

A common treatment for sore throats is tablets that must be slowly dissolved in the mouth to relieve discomfort. These drugs can only relieve pain if they contain anesthetics ¹ , or they can fight the cause of a sore throat if they contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components.

Before taking the tablets, you should consult your doctor and determine the exact diagnosis. If it is severe and acute pain that occurs with tonsillitis, these drugs will only supplement the main treatment, in parallel with taking antibiotics.

When choosing drugs, you need to pay attention to the active ingredients – what effect they will have. Usually tablets for sore throats in adults have a complex effect due to several components at once. If sore throat is accompanied by fever, general malaise, weakness, you need to use drugs of combined action. They both reduce pain and affect fever, inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

Popular Questions and Answers

Regarding pain and sore throat and its treatment, we talked with general practitioner, endoscopist, head of the organizational and methodological office Lidia Golubenko .

What causes a sore throat?

— There are many reasons for a sore throat. First of all, these are colds related to acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, as well as influenza and coronavirus. In addition, a sore throat is typical of a sore throat (acute tonsillitis) or an exacerbation of a chronic lesion of the tonsils. Most often, pharyngitis manifests itself as a sore throat – it can be of an infectious nature, but sometimes it occurs as a result of an injury or a systemic disease.

To understand the causes of the problem, you need to contact a therapist, and sometimes an ENT doctor.

What to do if you have a sore throat?

– If it is a cold, and against the background of a sore throat, the general condition suffers slightly, you can choose the drug yourself at the pharmacy. But if the pain is severe, it is better to have a doctor treat you.

Can I treat my throat myself?

— As mentioned above, there can be many causes of pain. If it is a mild cold, the pain will go away even without treatment in 2-3 days. Plentiful warm drink and rest will help. But if it is a temperature, malaise and severe pain with nausea, and even vomiting, call a doctor immediately. If it is a sore throat, antibiotics are needed, only a specialist can prescribe them.

Photo: market.yandex.ru, KP

Sources:

1. Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults. Clinical guidelines. RF 2021 (Russia)
   https://diseases.medelement.com/disease/%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1 %80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D 1%80%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%83-%D0%B2%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%85-%D0%BA%D1%80-%D1%80%D1%84-2021/17068

Effective remedies for the first symptoms of a cold – article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

The common cold is a clinical syndrome caused by an acute inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The inflammation usually involves the throat, larynx, and sinuses. The main cause of SARS are viruses, of which there are hundreds of varieties. Penetrating into the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, the pathogen begins to actively multiply, spreading to healthy tissues. a cold lasts an average of 7 to 10 days, sometimes longer. The first symptoms of a cold: fever, deterioration in general well-being, headaches and joint pain, sore throat, nasal congestion. With ARVI, antiviral and symptomatic therapy is carried out. The selection of drugs and the appointment of a treatment regimen should be handled by a doctor.

General

ARVI is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets. The causative agent of the disease are mainly viruses. The epidemiological situation worsens in the cold season.

There are mild, moderate and severe forms of SARS. In the first two cases, the patient does not need hospitalization, treatment is carried out at home under the supervision of a local therapist. In severe cases, the patient is placed in a hospital, where he will be monitored by the attending physician and medical staff.

Flu symptoms

Influenza symptoms in an adult or child develop suddenly and acutely. The incubation period averages 1-2 days. During this period, you may be concerned about:

As soon as the immune system is included in the fight against infection, the temperature rises. First, the temperature reaches 37.5-37.7 ° C. With SARS, the thermometer usually does not exceed 38.5 ° C. In addition to an increase in temperature, the patient’s condition is also aggravated. The following symptoms are attached:

• general weakness, lethargy, drowsiness;

• headache, muscle pain;

• swollen lymph nodes;

• increased sweating;

• chills;

• fever;

• cough, sore throat;

• acute rhinitis;

• symptoms of intoxication: nausea, vomiting, dizziness.

Flu symptoms in children are almost the same as in adults. May also be observed:

Effective remedies for the first symptoms of a cold

If you have the characteristic symptoms of SARS, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication is fraught with serious consequences. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor draws up an individual treatment regimen, taking into account clinical data and the nature of the course of the disease.

First of all, the patient is recommended bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. If an increase in temperature is accompanied by a deterioration in general well-being, it is necessary to take an antipyretic. Well known to all Paracetamol copes well with the task. A more pronounced antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect is possessed by drugs of the NSAID group:

• ibuprofen;

• Nurofen;

• Nimesil.

To help the body cope with the virus, antiviral agents are used:

• Interferon;

• Ribavirin;

• Anaferon.

With a dry painful cough, expectorants are recommended to facilitate sputum discharge:

In order to desensitize the body, antihistamines are used:

• Claritin;

• Loratadine;

• Chloropyrami.

To increase the protective functions of the body, vitamin C must be included in the treatment regimen, the dosage of which for each patient is determined individually.

To facilitate breathing complicated by rhinitis, vasoconstrictors are prescribed:

• Naphthyzin;

• Farmazolin;

• Oxyphrine;

• Vibrocil.

To wash the nasal mucosa, saline sprays are prescribed, which must be used at least 6-8 times a day. For washing the nose, you can use:

With conjunctivitis, the treatment regimen is as follows: during the day, the eyes should be instilled with eye drops, for example, such as Torbex, Floksal, Oftalmoferon.