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Throat Conditions

4 Types of Over-the-Counter Medications for a Sore Throat

The right medication may depend on the cause of your sore throat, or just your preferences.

Marisa Taylor KarasMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on March 29, 2024
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | March 29, 2024

Sore throats are a symptom of many illnesses. If you have a sore throat, there may be many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve pain. In this video, learn about four different types of medications for sore throats.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sore throat.

Eccles, R., et al. (2017). Soothing properties of glycerol in cough syrups for acute cough due to common cold. Pharmacy.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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