Does Advil Help Sore Throat? Here’s What a Pharmacist Say

Advil is often prescribed to individuals with sore throats. However, according to a pharmacist, it's important to consider the other symptoms as certain medications could be a better option.

Does Advil Help Sore Throat?

Throat pain is joint with upper respiratory infections (URIs). These infections impact the sinuses, throat, and nose. Your immune system incites inflammation- the swelling of infected areas- as a protective measure. These areas, especially the throat, may hurt due to this. You might take some medication to alleviate this sore throat.

Some reduce inflammation, which is helpful. Some offer assistance by momentarily numbing the throat. For this reason, a numbing agent or pain reliever is often included with cough and cold drugs.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are three recommended OTC medications for sore throats.

An OTC pain treatment that is frequently used is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen. It relieves sore throats by inhibiting chemicals in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation. It's a common over-the-counter drug to treat mild fevers, discomfort, and inflammation.

The top remedies for relieving a sore throat were provided by functional Tessa Spencer, a pharmacist and medicine specialist, shared her top sore throat treatments, which include over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (name brands: Advil or Motrin).

Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are marketed under the brand name Advil. It functions by preventing the release of the hormones that lead to inflammation. They lessen prostaglandin, lessening pain signals from the injured area without impeding the healing process. Advil often provides six to eight hours of pain relief.

Thus, advil helps with sore throat. However, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) assist momentarily in reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Acetaminophen (Actamin, Tylenol) also helps relieve pain but lacks anti-inflammatory qualities, so they are a decent substitute for sore throat medication.

Meanwhile, antiseptics assist in lowering bacterial counts and numbing your throat, but they are unlikely to stop a Strep infection. Some sprays and gargles target the back of the throat specifically.

So, Spencer warned that one should consider their other symptoms to determine the best medication.

Consider Symptoms For The Best Sore Throat Medication

According to Spencer, since individuals with sore throats usually don't need prescription treatment for viral infections, she usually suggests a range of over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be necessary for some bacterial infections, but over-the-counter symptom relief is still an option.

Popular over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen Advil or Motrin) are usually prescribed. However, one should think about the other symptoms when deciding between them.

"If you have a fever on top of a sore throat, acetaminophen will be a better option, since it will help reduce a fever as well," Spencer said.

Additionally, this is important, especially if you have other medical issues that could make an over-the-counter medication more harmful than beneficial.

Yes, ibuprofen is not always the best treatment for those with certain health conditions like kidney problems. Also, Tylenol is not as safe for those with liver problems.

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