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Strep Throat: Over-the-Counter Medicines

Topic Overview

Nonprescription medicines that relieve pain may help relieve some symptoms of strep throat, but they will not make you better any faster.

  • Acetaminophen will help relieve pain and reduce fever caused by strep throat.
  • Aspirin or ibuprofen will also help. Follow all directions on the label. If you give medicine to your baby, follow your doctor’s advice about what amount to give. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome.
  • Anesthetic throat sprays numb the throat area to help relieve pain.
  • Throat lozenges can also help.
    • Some nonprescription throat lozenges, such as Sucrets Maximum Strength or Spec-T, are safe and effective and have medicine (local anesthetic) that numbs the throat to soothe pain.
    • Regular cough drops or hard candies can also help.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Revised July 27, 2010

Last Revised: July 27, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

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