Yes, you can take either paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen for a sore throat, as both are effective over-the-counter pain relievers that also help with fever, with paracetamol often preferred for children and ibuprofen (an NSAID) better for inflammation. For stronger relief, you can alternate them, but always check dosages and consult a pharmacist or doctor if unsure, especially if you have underlying conditions.
Paracetamol is usually the first choice, especially when anti-inflammatory benefits are not needed. NHS considers it generally safe and a go-to for reducing fever or mild pain. Ibuprofen may be more appropriate when inflammation is a factor – such as in sprains, sore throats, or toothaches.
Treatments that may help a sore throat
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as: paracetamol or ibuprofen. medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen, these pain killers are great at reducing sore throat pain and also reducing a fever. To keep sore throat symptoms at a minimum it's best to take a dose at regular intervals as directed by your pharmacist or on the medication packet.
If a sore throat is caused by a virus, the best medical treatment is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain reliever such as ibuprofen. “This will help the inflammation at the back of the throat. But for those who can't take NSAIDs, you can also try acetaminophen.
Self care
To quickly relieve a sore throat, use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and inflammation, along with soothing remedies like honey (not for infants), throat sprays (with lidocaine), and warm salt water gargles, while getting rest and staying hydrated to speed healing.
Stage 1 of a sore throat, often the start of a cold or flu, involves early symptoms like a tickle, scratchiness, or mild pain in the throat, possibly with sneezing, usually appearing 1-3 days after infection, and can be managed with rest, fluids, saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but see a doctor if it's severe, lasts over a week, or comes with a high fever or trouble breathing.
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.
The right sore throat treatment depends on the underlying causes. In most cases, home remedies like sipping warm, soothing drinks work well. To reduce inflammation and the pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
A sore throat usually lasts 5 to 10 days, resolving on its own as it's often viral (colds, flu). If it's strep throat (bacterial), symptoms improve within 2-3 days of starting antibiotics, but you must finish the full course. Seek medical help if it's severe, lasts over a week, or includes difficulty breathing/swallowing, a high fever, or a rash.
8 Foods and Drinks to Soothe Your Sore Throat
Many different viral illnesses can cause sore throat. Some common ones are rhinovirus (common cold), flu, adenovirus, and coronaviruses, like COVID-19. These typically lead to redness and rawness in the back of the throat. One virus that really mimics strep throat is the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes mono.
If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicine or give you tips to help you feel better. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.
Overuse or irritants: You can strain your throat by yelling or screaming. You may also develop a sore throat if you eat spicy food, smoke or drink very hot liquids. Mouth breathing: You may have a sore throat if you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose when you're sleeping.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
Red flags for a sore throat that need urgent care include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain (especially on one side), drooling, inability to open your mouth fully, stiff neck, confusion, high fever with shivering, dehydration signs, or blood in saliva, as these can signal serious issues like airway obstruction, severe infection, or rare conditions needing immediate attention. See a doctor if it lasts over a week, recurs often, or if you have night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system.
Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling warm salt water (about half a teaspoon in a cup of warm water) several times a day can reduce swelling, kill bacteria, and provide quick comfort.
A sore throat without a fever can be caused by a number of things, from allergies and dry air to acid reflux and vocal strain. While it's often nothing serious, some cases can linger longer than expected and may need medical attention.
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Gargling with salt water: Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day. Sipping warm drinks: Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain.
VapoRub can be used to ease coughs that are caused by colds, relieving the catarrh and phlegm that give you a chesty cough. Not only that, but Vicks lozenges can be used help to soothe a sore, irritated throat, which can happen when you've been coughing up a storm for a few days!
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.