What are the most effective over-the-counter medicines for fever and sore throat. How do NSAIDs and acetaminophen work to relieve symptoms. What are the potential risks associated with these medications. How can you safely use pain relievers for colds and flu.

Understanding OTC Pain Relievers for Fever and Sore Throat

When illness strikes, many turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief from fever and sore throat symptoms. Two main categories of pain relievers dominate the market: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. Each works differently in the body to alleviate discomfort and reduce fever.

How do NSAIDs work?

NSAIDs function by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, NSAIDs effectively lower body temperature and alleviate pain. Common NSAIDs include:

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

How does acetaminophen work?

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other medications, operates differently from NSAIDs. It primarily affects the parts of the brain responsible for pain perception and temperature regulation. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, acetaminophen effectively reduces fever and alleviates pain without the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.

Comparing NSAIDs and Acetaminophen: Which is More Effective?

Both NSAIDs and acetaminophen can be effective in treating fever and sore throat symptoms. The choice between the two often depends on individual factors and the specific symptoms being treated.

Are NSAIDs or acetaminophen better for fever reduction?

Studies have shown that both NSAIDs and acetaminophen are effective in reducing fever. However, some research suggests that ibuprofen may be slightly more effective than acetaminophen in lowering body temperature, especially in children. The difference is generally small, and both medications are considered suitable options for fever reduction.

Which is more effective for pain relief?

For pain relief, the effectiveness of NSAIDs versus acetaminophen can vary depending on the type and severity of pain. NSAIDs may have an edge in treating inflammatory pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminophen, while effective for many types of pain, does not have this additional benefit.

Safety Considerations and Potential Risks of OTC Pain Relievers

While OTC pain relievers are generally safe when used as directed, they do carry potential risks, especially when used inappropriately or in certain populations.

What are the risks associated with NSAIDs?

NSAIDs, while effective, can pose several risks, particularly when used long-term or in high doses:

• Increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers
• Potential for heart attack and stroke, especially in those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions
• Kidney problems, particularly in individuals with existing kidney disease
• Worsening of asthma symptoms in some individuals

What are the potential dangers of acetaminophen use?

The primary risk associated with acetaminophen is liver damage, which can occur if the recommended dosage is exceeded. This risk is heightened in individuals who:

• Have existing liver disease
• Consume alcohol regularly
• Take multiple medications containing acetaminophen

Safe Usage Guidelines for OTC Pain Relievers

To minimize risks and maximize benefits, it’s crucial to use OTC pain relievers responsibly. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

How can you ensure safe use of NSAIDs?

1. Adhere to the recommended dosage on the label
2. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
3. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking NSAIDs
4. Consult a healthcare provider if you have pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or stomach ulcers
5. Be cautious if you’re over 60 or taking blood-thinning medications

What precautions should be taken with acetaminophen?

1. Never exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the label
2. Check other medications for acetaminophen to avoid unintentional overdose
3. Limit alcohol intake while using acetaminophen
4. Consult a healthcare provider if you have liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse
5. Be aware of early signs of liver damage, such as nausea, upper abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes

Special Considerations for Treating Children’s Fever and Sore Throat

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

Is ibuprofen or acetaminophen better for children’s fever?

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are considered safe and effective for reducing fever in children when used correctly. Some studies suggest that ibuprofen may be slightly more effective in lowering fever, but the difference is generally small. The choice often depends on the child’s age, weight, and any pre-existing conditions.

What are the dosing guidelines for children’s pain relievers?

Dosing for children’s pain relievers is typically based on weight rather than age. It’s crucial to use the correct dosing device and follow the instructions on the label carefully. Never give adult medications to children, as the concentrations can be dangerously high.

• For acetaminophen: 10-15 mg per kg of body weight every 4-6 hours
• For ibuprofen: 5-10 mg per kg of body weight every 6-8 hours

Always consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to infants under 6 months old.

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 of combination medicines?

Combination medicines can offer several benefits:

• Convenience of treating multiple symptoms with a single medication
• Potentially improved efficacy due to synergistic effects of different ingredients
• Reduced pill burden, which may improve adherence to treatment

What are the potential drawbacks of multi-symptom medications?

Despite their convenience, combination medicines have some disadvantages:

• Increased risk of overdosing on certain ingredients, particularly acetaminophen
• Potential for taking unnecessary medications if you don’t have all the symptoms targeted
• Greater likelihood of drug interactions with other medications you may be taking
• Difficulty in adjusting dosage of individual components

It’s crucial to read labels carefully and be aware of all active ingredients in combination medicines to avoid unintentional overdoses.

Natural Remedies for Fever and Sore Throat

While OTC medications can be effective, many people prefer to try natural remedies first or in conjunction with conventional treatments.

What are some effective natural remedies for sore throat?

Several natural remedies may help alleviate sore throat symptoms:

• Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties and soothing effect
• Salt water gargle: Can help reduce swelling and provide temporary pain relief
• Chamomile tea: May have anti-inflammatory effects and promote relaxation
• Slippery elm: Forms a protective coating on the throat, potentially reducing irritation
• Licorice root: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

How can fever be managed naturally?

While it’s important to remember that fever is often a beneficial immune response, there are natural ways to manage discomfort associated with fever:

• Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or clear broths
• Rest to allow your body to focus energy on fighting infection
• Use a cool compress on the forehead or take a lukewarm bath
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Consume easily digestible foods rich in nutrients

While these natural remedies can be helpful, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen, especially in children or individuals with underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever and Sore Throat

While many cases of fever and sore throat can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for a sore throat?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain that interferes with swallowing or breathing
• Sore throat lasting more than a week
• Fever above 101째F (38.3째C) in adults or any fever lasting more than three days
• Visible white patches or pus on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Rash accompanying the sore throat

What fever symptoms require immediate medical attention?

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone you’re caring for experiences:

• Fever above 103째F (39.4째C) in adults or children
• Fever accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
• Fever with difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Fever in an infant younger than 3 months old
• Fever that doesn’t respond to treatment or lasts more than three days
• Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dry mouth

Remember, while OTC medications and home remedies can provide relief for many cases of fever and sore throat, they are not substitutes for professional medical advice when symptoms are severe or persistent.

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.