Key takeaways:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are both effective over-the-counter pain medications for a sore throat.
Ibuprofen may work better than Tylenol for some people. But it can upset your stomach and isn’t recommended for those with heart disease or kidney problems. Tylenol is typically well tolerated. But it isn’t recommended for those with liver problems.
Aspirin isn’t usually recommended for a sore throat. It tends to cause more side effects than ibuprofen and Tylenol, including Reye’s syndrome in children.
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You wake up with pain in the back of your throat, and it hurts to swallow. You just know you're coming down with something. So, it’s time to reach into the medicine cabinet. You’ve got ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin on hand, but which one will help treat a sore throat?
In this article, we'll compare these over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for treating a sore throat to help you understand your options.
What over-the-counter pain medications help treat a sore throat?
Throat pain is common with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as the common cold. These are typically caused by a virus. But a sore throat can also be caused by allergies or bacterial infections, such as strep throat.
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When you have a viral or bacterial infection in your throat, your immune system sends blood cells to fight it off. This can make your throat swell up and become painful.
Allergies and infections can also cause postnasal drip. This is when mucus drips down the back of your throat. And it can make your throat irritated and sore over time.
Three common OTC medications for sore throat are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Tylenol (acetaminophen), and aspirin. In fact, many cough and cold products include one of these medications. Let's look at how each one works and the differences between them.
Good to know: OTC pain medications are often included in combination cough and cold products. So be sure to read product labels carefully before taking a separate OTC pain medication to avoid duplicating ingredients and taking more than recommended.
Ibuprofen (generic Advil or Motrin)
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It soothes a sore throat by blocking substances in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation. It's often a go-to OTC medication to help relieve mild fever, pain, and inflammation.
Common ibuprofen side effects include nausea and heartburn. Taking it with food can help lessen these side effects.
Adults and children ages 12 and older can take up to 400 mg (2 tablets) of OTC ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours as needed. But you shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg (6 tablets) of ibuprofen in 24 hours unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
What’s causing your sore throat? Here are some common and rare reasons for a sore throat.
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For infants and children ages 6 months to 11 years, the recommended ibuprofen dosage is based on their body weight. But it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician before giving ibuprofen to young children.
Ibuprofen isn’t a safe choice for everyone. Speak to a healthcare professional first if you’re pregnant or have a history of the following health conditions:
Allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs
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Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol)
Is Tylenol aspirin? That’s a common question pharmacists hear. It’s also a common misconception. But the answer is: No. Tylenol is not the same as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Tylenol contains acetaminophen, a different OTC medication. Tylenol isn’t an NSAID, so it works differently from ibuprofen. Experts still don’t fully understand how Tylenol works. It can reduce pain and fevers. But unlike ibuprofen and aspirin, Tylenol doesn't lessen inflammation. This means Tylenol won't help with the swelling aspect of a sore throat. But it can help relieve your throat pain.
Tylenol has fewer potential side effects than ibuprofen. It’s often a safer option for people who can’t take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
Tylenol is also the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy. But it’s still a good idea to talk to your healthcare team before taking it while you’re pregnant. They can help you look at the possible risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.
The recommended regular-strength Tylenol dosage for adults and children ages 12 and older is 2 pills (650 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For Tylenol Extra Strength, it’s 2 pills (1,000 mg) every 6 hours as needed. But some people, including those with liver problems, may need a lower dose. Regardless, you shouldn’t take more than 4,000 mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period. Liver damage can occur if you take more than this amount.
The recommended Tylenol dosages for children ages 2 to 11 are based on body weight. It’s best to ask your child’s pediatrician for a dosage recommendation if they’re under age 2.
Aspirin
Compared with ibuprofen and Tylenol, aspirin has fallen out of favor for treating a sore throat.
Aspirin is an NSAID that works similarly to ibuprofen. But it’s also a blood thinner at low doses. Aspirin can help reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. But it tends to have more potential side effects than ibuprofen or Tylenol when taken for a sore throat.
A typical aspirin dosage for adults is between 325 mg and 650 mg every 4 hours as needed.
You shouldn’t give aspirin to infants, children, or adolescents under age 19 unless a healthcare professional tells you to. This is because aspirin can cause a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome in kids and young adults.
Reye’s syndrome can cause life-threatening swelling in the brain. It seems to be more likely if you take aspirin when you have certain viral infections, such as the flu (influenza). But it’s hard to predict, so it’s safest to prevent Reye’s syndrome by avoiding aspirin if you’re under the age of 19.
Is ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin better for treating sore throat?
Ibuprofen and Tylenol are both safe choices for treating sore-throat pain in most people. Since aspirin tends to cause more side effects and isn’t safe for children, it isn’t considered a first-choice option in most cases.
Ibuprofen may have an edge over Tylenol when it comes to pain relief. This is likely due to ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory effect. Not all studies agree with these findings, though. One study found no significant differences between ibuprofen and Tylenol for treating URTI symptoms, including sore throat. So Tylenol is also considered a safe and effective option, especially if you can’t take ibuprofen.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends NSAIDs such as ibuprofen over Tylenol for throat pain due to strep throat. This is based on a study that showed NSAIDs worked better for this type of throat pain.
Consider the following if you’re choosing between ibuprofen and Tylenol:
Both ibuprofen and Tylenol last for about the same amount of time (about 4 to 6 hours).
Ibuprofen can be hard on your stomach, while Tylenol usually isn’t.
Ibuprofen isn’t recommended if you have kidney problems, while Tylenol isn’t recommended if you have liver problems.
You should avoid ibuprofen if you take prescription blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or apixaban (Eliquis).
If you’re unsure whether ibuprofen or Tylenol would be better for your sore throat, talk to a healthcare professional.
Good to know: If your throat pain is returning in between doses of ibuprofen or Tylenol, consider taking both medications. You can alternate between them for consistent pain relief. Just keep your doses about 2 to 3 hours apart and don’t go over the recommended daily dose of either one. For example, you can take ibuprofen at 8AM, Tylenol at 11AM, then ibuprofen again at 2PM.
Other treatments and home remedies for a sore throat
But what if you don't want to take ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin? Or, maybe you’ve taken them and you still have throat pain. Are there other ways to help soothe a sore throat? Yes. Here are a few options to keep in mind.
Lozenges and sprays
Using an OTC lozenge or sore-throat spray may provide throat pain relief. These topical treatments often contain numbing ingredients, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, which help relieve pain. Others contain menthol, which can provide a cooling sensation to help distract from pain. And demulcents, such as glycerin, are also a common ingredient. Demulcents coat your throat to help relieve irritation.
These topical sore-throat products may start working faster than oral pain medication. The soothing effect of lozenges tends to last longer than throat sprays. But oral OTC pain relievers provide longer-lasting relief than topical treatments. Using both types of products together can help you get the benefits of both. Just read the labels to be sure they don’t contain the same ingredients. This will help you avoid taking more medication than intended.
Antihistamines
If you have a sore throat caused by postnasal drip, antihistamines may help dry up excess mucus. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are typically better at treating postnasal drip caused by a virus or bacterial infection. But any antihistamine will help with postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Salt water gargle
Gargling with salt water (½ tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water) can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle with salt water for about 15 seconds several times a day to get the most from this nonmedicated treatment.
Hydration
It can be easy to stop consuming liquids when it hurts to swallow. But staying hydrated can help thin mucus and relieve throat pain due to dryness. Try warm tea with honey for a soothing effect (but avoid honey in children under age 1). Cold liquids or popsicles can also help lessen throat pain.
When should you see a healthcare professional for a sore throat?
Most sore throats in adults are caused by viruses. This means your throat pain will likely resolve on its own. But in some cases, such as with strep throat, you may need antibiotics or other treatments from a healthcare professional.
It’s best to seek medical care if you have the following symptoms:
Sore throat that’s getting worse instead of better
High fever (over 100℉)
Swelling or stiffness in your neck or jaw
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing
Rash
A healthcare professional can swab your throat to test for strep throat. They can also look for signs of a more serious infection, such as tonsillitis or mononucleosis.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s safe to take ibuprofen and Tylenol together in most cases. Though, it’s best to start with taking one medication at a time. But if your pain is returning before it's time for your next dose, alternating between ibuprofen and Tylenol can help. Just make sure to keep your doses 2 to 3 hours apart. And be careful to not go over the recommended daily dose of either medication.
Research isn’t clear on whether taking ibuprofen for a sore throat will prolong your recovery. There haven't been any studies that have tested this. But the effect of ibuprofen on recovery time has been studied for other conditions. Some studies have shown that ibuprofen may prolong recovery of a wound. But other studies have shown no difference in recovery time, or an even a shorter recovery time. If you need to take ibuprofen for more than 2 to 3 days for a sore throat, it’s best to see a healthcare professional.
No, Tylenol doesn’t help with inflammation (swelling). But it can help relieve mild pain and lower a fever. Other medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation, if needed.
Yes, it’s safe to take ibuprofen and Tylenol together in most cases. Though, it’s best to start with taking one medication at a time. But if your pain is returning before it's time for your next dose, alternating between ibuprofen and Tylenol can help. Just make sure to keep your doses 2 to 3 hours apart. And be careful to not go over the recommended daily dose of either medication.
Research isn’t clear on whether taking ibuprofen for a sore throat will prolong your recovery. There haven't been any studies that have tested this. But the effect of ibuprofen on recovery time has been studied for other conditions. Some studies have shown that ibuprofen may prolong recovery of a wound. But other studies have shown no difference in recovery time, or an even a shorter recovery time. If you need to take ibuprofen for more than 2 to 3 days for a sore throat, it’s best to see a healthcare professional.
No, Tylenol doesn’t help with inflammation (swelling). But it can help relieve mild pain and lower a fever. Other medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation, if needed.
The bottom line
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Tylenol (acetaminophen), and aspirin are over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications that can help treat a sore throat. Some studies suggest that ibuprofen may work better than Tylenol for throat pain. But Tylenol is also a safe and effective option, especially if you can’t take ibuprofen. Aspirin isn’t typically recommended for a sore throat because of the risk of serious side effects, such as Reye’s syndrome.
Ibuprofen isn’t the best choice for those with kidney problems or stomach issues. And acetaminophen isn’t the best choice for those with liver problems. Keep in mind that you can combine either oral pain medication with other OTC sore-throat treatments for added relief. These include lozenges, throat sprays, and antihistamines. Staying hydrated and gargling with salt water can also help soothe a sore throat. But be sure to seek medical care if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days.
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References
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