A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Medicine for Sore Throat and Cough in India [August, 2024]

Suffering from a sore throat and cough can be a real inconvenience. It’s not just the physical discomfort, but also the impact on your daily routine that can be bothersome. If you’re in India, you’re in luck! This country is home to a vast array of effective medicines that can help alleviate these symptoms. In this article, we will explore the best medicine for sore throat and cough India has to offer.

Before delving into the list, let’s first understand what causes a sore throat and cough.

Understanding Sore Throat and Cough

A sore throat is characterized by a painful, dry, or scratchy sensation in the throat. This discomfort is often one of the first signs of a cold and can also be caused by environmental factors like dry air. A cough, on the other hand, is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants.

Different types of sore throats are classified based on the part of the throat they affect:

• Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
• Tonsillitis causes swelling and redness of the tonsils.
• Laryngitis affects the voice box or larynx.

Common causes of sore throat and cough include colds, the flu, strep throat, allergies, dry air, smoke and other irritants, injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and in rare cases, a tumor.

Top 15 Medicines for Sore Throat and Cough in India

Below, we have compiled a list of the top 15 medicines available in India that can help relieve a sore throat and cough. Let’s dive in.

1. Strepsils: Soothing Relief for Sore Throats

Brand Name: Strepsils lozenges
Active Ingredients: Amylmetacresol and Levomenthol

Strepsils is a well-known brand that provides relief from a sore throat and irritating coughs. The combination of two antiseptics and Levomenthol, a mild local anaesthetic, makes Strepsils a suitable choice for adults and children over six years.

2. Tyrozets: Effective for Throat Infections

Brand Name: Tyrozets lozenges
Active Ingredients: Tyrothricin and Benzocaine

Tyrozets lozenges are effective against throat infections, thanks to their active ingredients, Tyrothricin and Benzocaine. This medicine is not recommended for children under three years old.

3. Menthol: A Natural Sore Throat Remedy

Brand Name: Menthol Sweets
Active Ingredients: Menthol

Menthol sweets are a natural remedy for a sore throat. Sucking on these cough confectionery can help soothe discomfort.

4. Grether’s Pastilles: Fruity Relief for Your Throat

Brand Name: Grether’s pastilles
Active Ingredients: Maltitol syrup, food-grade gelatine, acidifier (citric acid), thickener (agar-agar), glycerine (1.5%), blueberry juice (3.3%), vegetable oil (coconut oil and rapeseed oil), a coating agent (beeswax), flavoring, coloring grape extract, sweetener (acesulfame-K).

Grether’s pastilles are known for their soothing effect on sore throats and strained voices. They moisten a dry mouth and smooth the mucous membranes.

5. Honey and Lemon Syrup: A Natural Soother

Brand Name: Veno’s Honey and Lemon Syrup
Active Ingredients: Glucose liquid, honey and lemon juice

Veno’s Honey and Lemon syrup is a natural remedy for tickly coughs and sore throats. The syrup contains three active ingredients: glucose liquid, honey and lemon juice.

6. Simple Linctus: An Effective Demulcent

Brand Name: Simple Linctus
Active Ingredients: Citric Acid Monohydrate

Simple Linctus is a demulcent used for the symptomatic relief of coughs. It coats the throat and relieves the symptoms of coughs. This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years.

7. Glycerol and Sugar: A Sweet Relief

Brand Name: BENYLIN Children’s Cough & Sore Throat Syrup
Active Ingredients: Glycerol and sugar

The Glycerol and sugar mixture in the BENYLIN® Children’s Dry Cough and Sore Throat Syrup help soothe inflamed areas of your throat. This medicine is suitable for children aged 1 year and over.

8. Buttercup Syrup: A Traditional Cure

Brand Name: Buttercup syrup
Active Ingredients: Squill liquid extract and capsicum tincture

Buttercup syrup is a traditional medicine that contains two active ingredients, squill liquid extract, and capsicum tincture, which help to loosen up phlegm, making it easier to cough up.

9. Benzocaine: An Effective Anaesthetic

Brand Name: Ultra Chloraseptic Spray
Active Ingredients: Benzocaine

Ultra Chloraseptic Spray contains the active ingredient benzocaine, which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. This spray numbs pain signals, providing relief from a sore throat.

10. Lidocaine and Chlorhexidine: A Dual-Action Solution

Brand Name: Covonia throat spray
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine and Chlorhexidine

Covonia throat spray is a dual-action solution, containing lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, and chlorhexidine, an antiseptic and disinfectant agent. This combination helps to numb the throat and kill germs that may cause throat infections.

11. Benzydamine Hydrochloride: An Effective Anti-Inflammatory

Brand Name: Difflam spray
Active Ingredients: Benzydamine hydrochloride

Difflam spray contains the active ingredient benzydamine hydrochloride, which is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine reduces inflammation and pain in the throat.

12. Lidocaine: A Trusted Anaesthetic

Brand Name: BOOTS ANAESTHETIC SORE THROAT RELIEF 2 % W/V SPRAY
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine hydrochloride

Lidocaine is a trusted anaesthetic known for its local action in relieving pain.

13. Ibuprofen: A Common Pain Relief

Brand Name: Nurofen Meltlets
Active Ingredients: Ibuprofen

Nurofen Meltlets, a lemon-flavored pain relief treatment, is an effective solution for various symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, and fever. This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years.

14. Aspirin: A Trusted Solution

Brand Name: Disprin
Active Ingredients: Aspirin

Disprin tablets contain the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin. This ingredient is known for its ability to relieve pain and inflammation, making Disprin a suitable choice for sore throat relief.

15. Paracetamol: A Common Pain Reliever

Brand Name: Panadol ActiFast
Active Ingredients: Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a common pain reliever that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, relieving pain and reducing fever. Panadol ActiFast is an effective solution for sore throat relief.

Conclusion

A sore throat and cough can be a real hassle, but thankfully there are many effective medicines available in India to provide relief. From over-the-counter medical products to natural remedies, the options are vast. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, and remember to take the medicine as directed for the best results.

FAQs

Q. What is the best medicine for a sore throat and cough in India?
There are several effective medicines for a sore throat and cough available in India, including Strepsils, Tyrozets, Menthol, Grether’s Pastilles, Honey and Lemon Syrup, Simple Linctus, Glycerol and Sugar, Buttercup Syrup, Benzocaine, Lidocaine and Chlorhexidine, Benzydamine Hydrochloride, Lidocaine, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Paracetamol.

Q. How can I soothe my sore throat and cough?
Along with taking the appropriate medication, you can also try natural remedies like honey, saltwater gargle, chamomile tea, and inhaling steam.

Q. What causes a sore throat and cough?
A sore throat and cough can be caused by various factors, including colds, the flu, strep throat, allergies, dry air, smoke, and other irritants.

Q. Is it necessary to see a doctor for a sore throat and cough?
If your sore throat and cough persist for more than a few days, cause severe pain, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms like high fever or difficulty swallowing, you should consult a doctor.

Q. Can I prevent a sore throat and cough?
While not all sore throats and coughs can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and keeping your immune system strong by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Q. What foods should I avoid when I have a sore throat and cough?
When you have a sore throat and cough, it’s best to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your throat, such as spicy foods, acidic fruits, and alcoholic beverages.

Q. Can I still go to work if I have a sore throat and cough?
If your symptoms are mild and you feel well enough to work, you can usually continue your normal activities. However, if you have a fever, severe symptoms, or are feeling very unwell, it’s best to stay home and rest.

Q. Can children use these medicines for a sore throat and cough?
Some of these medicines are suitable for children, while others are not. Always check the label and consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to a child.

Q. How long does a sore throat and cough usually last?
A sore throat and cough caused by a viral infection usually improves within a week. However, symptoms can last longer in some cases, especially if caused by a bacterial infection.

Q. Can I take these medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Some medicines may not be safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.