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