Anti-inflammatory medicines for a sore throat

These medicines relieve symptoms rather than eliminating a virus or other trigger. Paracetamol may be an alternative for pain or fever when an anti-inflammatory is unsuitable, provided it can be taken safely and the package directions are followed.

A sore throat can accompany a common cold, influenza, COVID-19, tonsillitis or strep throat. Irritation from allergic rhinitis or acid reflux can also affect the throat. An anti-inflammatory may ease discomfort in some of these situations, but antibiotics only help selected bacterial infections and require clinical assessment.

Ibuprofen and similar medicines can irritate the stomach and affect the kidneys. Check with a pharmacist or clinician before taking one if you have had a stomach ulcer, kidney disease, an allergy or asthma reaction to these medicines, take blood-thinning medication, or are pregnant.

Read the medicine label, use only the stated dose, and avoid combining products that contain the same active ingredient. Take ibuprofen with food if the label permits it, and use the smallest amount needed for the shortest practical time.

Warm or cool drinks, soft foods, adequate fluids and avoiding smoke may reduce irritation. A pharmacist can check interactions and suggest an age-appropriate option. Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager with a viral illness unless a clinician has specifically prescribed it.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe neck swelling, blue or grey lips, confusion, or a rapidly worsening reaction after medicine. Stop the medicine and get urgent advice for facial swelling, wheezing, vomiting blood, black stools or markedly reduced urination.

Arrange an assessment if throat pain is severe, keeps returning, is worsening rather than settling, or comes with dehydration, a persistent high temperature, a widespread rash, pronounced neck glands, or marked difficulty opening the mouth.

Ask whether your medical conditions or regular medicines make an anti-inflammatory unsuitable, whether testing for a bacterial infection is warranted, and which pain-relief option is appropriate for your age and symptoms.