15 best remedies for sore throat

*Review of the best according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Consultation with a specialist is necessary before purchase.

Angina is probably the most well-known inflammatory disease of the ENT organs. Angina is an acute inflammation of the glandular lymphatic tissue of the pharynx, namely the palatine tonsils. They are part of the lymphoepithelial ring of the pharynx. This structure refers to the peripheral organs of the protective, or immune system. It performs a watchdog function, because it is located in the center of the intersection of the respiratory and food passages, and quickly reacts to the penetration of various antigens into the body.

And the largest structures of this ring are the palatine tonsils, or, in common parlance, the “tonsils”. They produce various antibodies, special mucosal protection factors, and have loose fibers, which are prone to swelling and inflammation. A typical sore throat is caused by bacteria, among which the most common are group A hemolytic streptococcus, staphylococcus and other microorganisms.

It is not difficult to suspect sore throat. Onset is acute. The palatine tonsils become red or swollen, and there are signs of general malaise, sore throat, and fever. The mucosa of the tonsils is edematous. In some cases, there is a purulent plaque in the form of dots on the tonsils, which look like grains of millet, or even large whitish-yellow islets. Regional lymph nodes react with swelling.

Usually, with sore throat, the patient is treated at home, on home bed rest. A mechanically and thermally sparing throat diet and plenty of vitamin drinks are indicated. The basis of treatment of any sore throat is the use of various means, which include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antiseptic and immunomodulatory drugs.

Alas, not always the patient can timely consult a doctor, so this rating includes the most effective and popular drugs that are used for various types of angina, and which can be freely purchased in the pharmacy.

Attention!It is a common misconception that a sore throat can only be treated by topical solutions and that it can only be treated by inhalations, gargles and various throat lozenges. In the vast majority of cases, when spots or whole areas of pus are visible on the tonsils, then the treatment must begin with systemic antibacterial therapy, and it is this stage of treatment that must necessarily be carried out on the prescription of the attending physician.

What are the most effective antibacterial agents used to treat sore throat? In the rating below, the average prices for the drugs are given for pharmacies of all forms of ownership at the end of 2018.

Rating of the best remedies for sore throat

Best Antibacterials for Sore throat

Of course, not all sore throats need antibiotics. For example, if the patient’s general well-being suffers little, there are no purulent plaques on the tonsils, and there is no fever (that is, a simple, catarrhal angina in a non-serious form), then you can do without them. But to determine this, as well as to assess the risk of complications, and you need a doctor’s consultation, and the earlier – the better.

After all, antibacterial drugs and antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor, especially since antibiotics are now sold in pharmacies in the Russian Federation with a prescription. What are the most effective safe antibiotics used to treat sore throat?

Cefexime (Suprax, Ceforal, Panzef)

Rating: 4.9

Inhalipt is an aerosol made in Russia. It contains a variety of natural and artificially created synthetic components. It is eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, disinfectants and antiseptics – streptocide and norsulfazole. Inhalipt has a pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect after application to the tonsils. In addition, Inhalipt is refreshing. Spray four times a day into the mouth and, preferably, rinse your mouth with warm water beforehand. The company Micropharm produces Ingalipt and a 30 ml aerosol can costs only 60 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Inhalipt is a very pleasant medicine. It contains fragrant fragrant oils, it tastes good, it is refreshing. Inhalipt can be sprayed into the mouth of almost everyone: children, pregnant and lactating women alike. The only thing to remember is that norsulfazole and streptocide are fairly old and already ineffective antimicrobials. Forty years ago, one Ingalipt would have been enough to treat uncomplicated sore throat, but these days it is desirable to combine its application on the surface of the tonsils with the appointment of antibacterial therapy, and especially – in the presence of pus on the tonsils.

Hexoral (Maxicold Lore)

Rating: 4.8

Hexoral is an imported, French topical antiseptic. It contains the active ingredient hexatidine. Maxicold LOR is a domestic analogue. Hexatidine suppresses the growth and reproduction of pathogenic flora, and is highly active against fungi and viruses that like to colonize the affected tonsils against a background of reduced immunity. Hexoral is a red liquid with a pleasant mint odor. It is very important that this antiseptic has some local anesthetic and analgesic effect. Therefore, immediately after application to the tonsils, the pain in the throat is reduced, and it can be successfully used 15 minutes before eating. It is also indicated for pharyngitis, stomatitis and various forms of gingivitis, that is, inflammatory lesions of the gums and oral mucosa. Spray Hexoral twice a day, and it is important to remember that you must not swallow the solution, but spit it out. This product is produced by the pharmaceutical company Famar Orleans. A 40 ml aerosol costs about 270 rubles at the drugstore.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Hexoral is its pleasant fragrance, analgesic effect and safety. It is not toxic, and is prescribed not only for adults, but also for children. The fact that it cannot be swallowed does not mean that the patient will be poisoned, just that the antiseptic should not penetrate the gastrointestinal tract, so as not to cause dysbacteriosis. Therefore, children can be prescribed this remedy from the age when they can understand parental advice and not swallow the medicine.

“Neo-Angin.”

Rating: 4.7

Neo-Angin is a classic medication for sore throat. It contains the disinfectant amylmethacresol, and the antiseptic – benzyl alcohol. Menthol adds freshness to the breath and an additional analgesic and distracting effect. Additional ingredients – anise oil, tartaric acid. Like the previous drug, Neo-Angin is able to slightly reduce the sensitivity of the mucous membrane, and therefore it has pain relief. It is used for a wide variety of oral conditions, and primarily for sore throats. The remedy is available in tablets, which should be slowly sucked up after 2 hours during the first days of the disease, and 3 times a day on subsequent days. However, more than 6 tablets should not be used in one day. Neo-Angin is produced by German company Klosterfrau and the pack of 16 costs only 100 rubles., Which is quite inexpensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Neo-Angin is widely available, very inexpensive, safe and well tolerated. It may be combined with other medications, and even with other topical medications. Neo-Angin can be taken by pregnant and nursing women, and the only side effects are individual intolerance. By the way, there are people who organically do not tolerate the aroma of anise oil, so if you do not like the smell of anise drops, then you will not like And Neo-Angin, despite all its effectiveness.

Miramistin

It is no exaggeration to say that Miramistine is the pride of the domestic pharmaceutical industry, it has become known throughout the world. It is an exceptionally highly effective antiseptic that refers to quaternary ammonium compounds. Miramistin is extremely widely used in medicine. Suffice it to say that its range of application extends from the prevention of sexually transmitted infections to the treatment of surgical septic wounds. It is also highly effective for sore throat. It has not only antimicrobial, but also antifungal and antiviral effects. Miramistine can effectively fight even herpes and HIV infection. For sore throats, you can irrigate your throat with Miramistin three, four, five times a day, as many times as needed. Miramistin is available in bottles, and their volume can be different: from 50 to 500 ml. Produces this unique antiseptic domestic manufacturer Infamed K, and the average, the most popular package volume of 150 ml costs only 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Miramistin is a clear, slightly foaming liquid, and has no taste, color, or smell. Therefore, when irrigating the mouth, it resembles plain water. It does not sting, does not irritate the mucosa, and does not cause allergy symptoms. You can not only irrigate your mouth with Miramistin, but also gargle your throat, it is not capable of absorption through the mucous membranes does not enter the blood. The safety and effectiveness of Miramistin is very high against many infectious agents, and its cost is quite low. Therefore, Miramistin deserves first place in the ranking of all topical medications for the treatment of sore throat. If you have a pack of Miramistin at home, it can be used for everything from treating soiled wounds to instillations and baths for gynecological diseases.

Septoleta

Rating: 4.7

Septolete are green colored lozenges, and can be considered “Inhalipt in solid form”. They also contain various essential plant oils and antiseptics, such as benzalkonium chloride. Toothpicks are indicated for sore throats, because they have a good effect on the gram-positive microbial flora, and it is this coccus flora that can often cause inflammation of the tonsils. The plates also have an antifungal effect, and help to cope with candidiasis, while the mint oil distracts and gives freshness of breath. Septoleta lozenges are used for sore throats every 2 or 3 hours, but no more than 8 per day. They are used in adults and children over 12 years of age. In addition to angina, Septolete can be used for all inflammatory diseases of the mouth and sore throat. It is produced by KRKA company from Slovenia and a pack of 30 lozenges costs 160 rubles on average.

Advantages and disadvantages

The use of Septolete lozenges does not cause any side effects, but only diabetics need to remember that each lozenge has about 180 mg of sugar. The lozenge must be swallowed between meals in order not to reduce the concentration of active substances in the tonsils, but this advice applies to all local remedies without exception.

The best antiallergic drugs for sore throat

It would seem that why should antiallergic drugs be used for angina?? After all, it is not swelling of the throat, which is caused by an allergen? Very simply. Antihistamines potentiate or enhance the effect of other drugs. When these products are combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the analgesic effect is increased, and swelling and a general feeling of fever is reduced more quickly. Suffice it to recall the popularity of using analgin together with dimedrol in emergency doctors. In this section we will consider representatives of both the old antihistamines of the first generation, and more modern.

Tavegil (Klemastin)

Rating: 4.9

Tavegil has a pronounced antipruritic and anti-allergic effect, and reduces vascular permeability. This means that in case of angina it will reduce the swelling of the tonsils, and thus the severity of pain. Unlike its predecessors, such as Suprastin or Dimedrol, it has no pronounced sedative activity. After taking Tavegil, antihistamine activity develops in 5-7 hours, and lasts for 24 hours. Tavegil is indicated in the treatment of severe angina, and is appointed for adults and children over 12 years, usually one tablet in the morning and evening. Tavegil is produced by the Italian company Famar, and one pack of 10 pills (1 mg each) costs 185 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Tavegil in providing antiedematous action. It reduces the exudative component of inflammation and allows the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a smaller dosage, which is much safer for the body. In addition, Tavegil does not cause dry mouth and drowsiness, costs inexpensive. But you must remember that the purpose of this drug is to help other medicines and enhance their effect. If you think that only Tavegil can conquer angina, you are mistaken.

Claritin (loratadine)

Rating: 4.8

This modern antiallergic drug also belongs to the histamine receptor blockers type 1, and is available in syrup and tablets. It works quickly and for a long time. Already 30 minutes after taking a tablet of Claritin, you can feel a reduction in sore throat with angina, and this remedy works for about a day. Unlike first-generation agents, Claritin does not cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and slow motor reactions. It is indicated to take Claritin regardless of food intake. Adults with sore throats are prescribed one 10 mg tablet, or two teaspoons at a time, or 10 ml syrup once a day. Children from 2 years old can also take the drug, but the dosage is prescribed by the pediatrician depending on the body weight of the child. Claritin is produced by the well-known pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough, and the cost of a pack of 10 tablets is 230 rubles. A bottle of 60 ml syrup costs 260 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Claritin – a modern drug, so it is more effective than Tavegil, works longer, and requires only a single dose at a relatively low price. But at the same time you should remember that this medicine is contraindicated in lactation, as well as in children younger than 3 years. Of the side effects, drowsiness occurs most often, but it appeared only in case of an overdose of the drug.

Allegra (fexofenadine)

Rating: 4.7

Allegra is another of the histamine receptor blockers, which in its pure form is indicated to treat urticaria and to relieve the symptoms of vasomotor and allergic rhinitis. Since with allergic rhinitis, swelling and intense nasal discharge in the form of transparent rhinorrhea occurs very sharply and quickly, this drug is also able to reduce the pronounced swelling of the tonsils, and it is especially indicated for use in the first day when the development of intense redness and pain syndrome.

When prescribing this remedy, a very short course of two or three days is quite sufficient. If Allegra acts together with Ibuklin, Nimesil, it will significantly reduce the severity of the pain syndrome. Fexofenadine is available in tablets of 120 mg, and in case of angina with a severe pain syndrome, one tablet a day for 3 days is enough. Allegra is produced by the well-known company Sanofi-Aventis, and the cost of a pack of 10 tablets is quite high: 600 rubles

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite its high price, the drug Allegra can significantly reduce the dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when taken together. Therefore, it may be indicated for those patients who have a rather severe course of angina with a pronounced pain syndrome, but at the same time they have gastritis in the acute phase or gastric and duodenal ulcer. Of the symptoms of overdose, dizziness and somnolence are noted, but they occur at doses of 8 times the recommended.

The best immunomodulatory therapy for angina

Finally, drugs to improve local and general immunity should definitely be considered. Especially indicated is the use of these drugs for long-standing sore throats, transitions of acute tonsillitis (and this is a sore throat) into a chronic form, for those people who are forced to take cytostatics or immunosuppressors – corticosteroid hormones for other diseases. It is indicated to take these drugs for quite long courses, and their purpose is to reduce the number of exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis or to prevent the transition of a prolonged acute process into a chronic form.

Ribomunil

Rating: 4.9

Ribomunil is a highly effective immunostimulant that is indicated for many diseases of the upper respiratory tract and nasopharynx. It consists of an unusual active substance. These are sections of cells of the most common pathogens of angina and other inflammatory diseases, which contain various antigens, or pronounced substances of microbes with foreign properties, which are capable of a very high degree of activation of immunity manifestations.

Taking Ribomunil begins to produce special antibodies, increasing the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes. It starts producing interferon. That’s why Ribomunil protects against viral infections in addition to sore throat and microbial diseases. This medicine is indicated both for prophylaxis and for treatment of angina of various degrees of severity, but as a part of complex therapy.

It can be used from six months of age, and even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ribomunil must be taken once a day in the morning, before meals. The daily dose is one tablet of 0.75 mg. For the treatment it is necessary to take the remedy for 4 days, then take a three-day break, and so continue for 3 weeks. Ribomunil is produced by the French company Pierre Fabre Medicament. The cost of a pack of 12 tablets for a treatment course of 18 days amounts to 1,276 rubles. Accordingly, a one-month course will require almost twice as much.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ribomunil is probably the most expensive drug in the rating. At the same time, it is not able to cope with angina alone. Many may consider this a disadvantage. But in the end, the use of this remedy will help to activate the body’s defenses to the maximum, and to defeat angina in the shortest period of time. This will save you money for many antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and topical medications. The drug is well tolerated, the only contraindications are autoimmune diseases, when pathological immune complexes occur in blood patients. Also an unusual side effect within two or three days after the prescription of the drug is an increase in temperature. This is a normal reaction; there is no need to be afraid of it, it stimulates the immunity start-up.

Imudon

Rating: 4.8

Immudon is also a highly effective immunostimulating preparation, it also represents a special “teaser” for the immunity of the human body, since its composition contains extracts of the most frequent sore throat-causing microorganisms, as well as various bacteria having an antigenic structure. Imudon is available as a tablet and is a multivalent antigenic complex. At its application it causes generation of antibodies, stimulation of local cellular immunity, and as a part of complex therapy can reduce the clinical manifestations of angina and promote immunity and speedy recovery.

The drug is frequently used in adults and adolescents over 14 years of age: 8 tablets a day. The tablets should be swallowed without chewing and used every hour. This can be done for an average of 10 days in case of sore throat. If the sore throat occurred in a child from 3 to 14 years, the number of tablets is reduced to 6 pieces. Imudon may also be used for prophylactic purposes, for example, in the autumn-spring period. Imudon is produced by the pharmaceutical company Solvay Pharma (France), and the cost of a pack of 40 tablets for five days of administration for adults is 660 rubles. With a price range from 490 to 870 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of Imudon is the fact that sore throat, which is treated fully and properly, can be cured without immunomodulators. But in this case, there may be a risk of a recurrence of this unpleasant disease in a few months. If, however, immunomodulatory drugs are used as indicated, this fact will significantly reduce the duration of the disease, as well as avoid a recurrence of angina in the coming months or even weeks. Imudon is well tolerated, there are no cases of overdose, with contraindications other than individual intolerance, noted only children under 3 years of age.

Galavit

Rating: 4.7

Finally, in conclusion of the rating of popular and widely used immunomodulatory agents for sore throat, Galavit should be mentioned. It is no longer an antigenic extract of microorganisms, but a monocomponent drug and contains sodium aminodihydrophthalazindione

Aminu dihydro in Tolsingon sodium. This active ingredient is a regulator of humoral and cellular immunity, and increases the activity of macrophages. At the same time it restores the balance of neutrophils, their ability to bactericidal activity, and normalizes the formation of antibodies. It is indicated for a wide variety of diseases, almost all inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, sex, flu, sore throat, inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa. Galavit should be taken with sore throat, one tablet 4 times a day, rassaets them under the tongue, for 5 days. Prophylactic course One tablet twice a day for 10 days. Galavit is produced by Medikor, a domestic pharmaceutical company, and one pack of 20 tablets for a five-day course of treatment costs an average of 480 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Galavit will be its not so high price, as well as the release in several forms, including rectal suppositories, which can be used by young children. Galavit is contraindicated only to pregnant and lactating women, a big plus is the possibility of starting treatment at any stage of angina. The disadvantage is the fact that all immunomodulators, including Galavit, alone cannot cope with a pronounced and severe infection, and they can only relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease.