The best sore throat sprays for adults

In the 21st century, a huge number of drugs are presented on the pharmaceutical market, 82,8% of which are non-original (generics), according to an analytical review of the DSM groups¹. More than half of the Russian population is self-medicating, as drugs are sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. Self-treatment often leads to the fact that the disease becomes chronic, complications appear that require more complex and expensive treatment.

Sprays for sore throat should be selected by the doctor individually. This is especially important in the early stages of the disease.

Ranking of the top 10 inexpensive and effective sprays for sore throat according to KP

After analyzing the pharmaceutical market, we have selected the best sprays for sore throats. All drugs are constantly prescribed by doctors and have proven themselves in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract.

1. Vertum ENT

The active substance of the drug – benzydamine – belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances. Soothes the throat with regular use. The spray has an antibacterial effect. The substance penetrates the pathogenic microorganism and causes its destruction. Also, the drug is active against the fungus that causes thrush and infectious agents.

Indications:

• pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis;
• inflammatory process in the periodontal tissue;
• inflammation of the salivary glands;
• after surgical interventions in the face (teeth, jaw bones, tonsils);
• oral candidiasis.

Contraindicated in case of allergy to the components of the drug and children under 3 years of age. It is used with caution in case of intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid, other NSAIDs and a history of bronchial asthma. Not allowed during pregnancy and lactation.

2. Grammy

Sore throat spray with a mint scent that has both antimicrobial and antiseptic effects. Gramicidin C increases the cell permeability of a pathogenic microorganism. This leads to disruption of its normal functioning and subsequent death. Cetylpyridinium is an antiseptic that prevents the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Показания:

• pharyngitis, tonsillitis;
• inflammatory diseases of the gums, oral mucosa.

Grammidin is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, persons under 18 years of age, with allergic reactions to the components of the drug. Not used if there are open wounds in the mouth, as cetylprinidium chloride slows down the healing process.

3. Cameton

The preparation of combined action for local use in inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract. The composition contains both synthetic substances and plant components.

Eucalyptus oil stimulates mucosal receptors, activating a local immune response, and also reduces swelling and sore throat.

Levomenthol causes a feeling of cold, which distracts from pain. Camphor and chlorobutanol have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Indications: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs.

Contraindicated in children under 5 years of age, with allergies to the components of the drug. During pregnancy and lactation, it is used only after consulting a doctor.

4. Yox

A drug with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action. Releases iodine on contact with mucous membranes or skin. It is this substance that provides the antiseptic effect.

Indications:

• tonsillitis;
• angina;
• inflammatory processes of the tongue, larynx;
• used for initial flu symptoms.

Contraindicated in iodine allergy, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, children under 6 years of age. It is not used simultaneously with other antiseptic preparations and products containing hydrogen peroxide, as it leads to a loss of the properties of both.

5. Lugol

The active substance is iodine. Destroys bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative), fungi. Some microorganisms may be resistant to iodine, but long-term use inhibits the growth of pathogenic microflora.

Indications: inflammation of the oral cavity and pharynx.

It is not used for allergies to iodine, for serious diseases of the liver and kidneys, under the age of 12 years, for hyperthyroidism. Lugol is contraindicated during pregnancy. During lactation, it is used only as directed by a doctor. Pus, blood or fat reduce the activity of iodine. Lugol enhances the effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

6. Gexoral

Combination spray for sore throat with a mint scent. Destroys bacteria (gram-positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi (Candida genus). Geksoral eliminates unpleasant odors, envelops the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and is also a hemostatic agent.

Indications:

• inflammatory processes of the oral cavity;
• angina;
• pharyngitis, tonsillitis;
• inflammation of the gums and / or bleeding;
• inflammation of the oral mucosa, tongue;
• candidal stomatitis;
• elimination of unpleasant odors (especially with malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and pharynx);
• pre and post-operative preparation;
• at the first symptoms of SARS and influenza.

Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, children under 3 years. During pregnancy and lactation, use only as directed by a physician.

7. Mestamidine

Broad-spectrum drug. Active against most bacteria, fungi, viruses, solvent-sensitive lipids, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. With prolonged use, resistance in microorganisms does not develop. Mestamidine heals wounds and surfaces after burns.

Indications:

• inflammatory processes of the oral cavity and pharynx;
• treatment of the skin and mucous membranes before surgery;
• fungus prevention.

Contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components of the drug.

8. Ingalipt

Throat spray based on baked mint, eucalyptus oil, sulfanilamide. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. Sulfonamides disrupt the normal synthesis of substances in the microbial cell, which leads to its destruction. Peppermint and eucalyptus reduce swelling, redness and sore throat. They also retard the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms and have a refreshing effect.

Indications: inflammation in the throat, mouth.

It is not used in case of an allergic reaction to the components of the drug.

9. Strepsils intensive

The active substance of the drug is flurbiprofen. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain, relieves swelling and facilitates the process of swallowing.

Indications:

• reduction of sore throat in infectious and inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract.

Contraindicated in:

• allergies to any component of the drug and / or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and aspirin;
• stomach ulcer, 12 duodenal ulcer;
• NSAID gastropathy;
• severe liver disease;
• renal, heart failure;
• bleeding disorders;
• pregnancy and lactation period.

10. Octenisept

Throat spray that is effective against bacteria (gram-positive, gram-negative), certain viruses (herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus), fungi.

Indications:

• treatment of the upper respiratory tract in infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• pre and post-operative preparation in dentistry, otorhinolaryngology.

Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Do not use simultaneously with substances containing iodine.

How to choose a spray for a sore throat

There are over 50 different topical aerosols on the market. They differ in composition, taste, cost, manufacturer, indications and contraindications.

90-95% of cases of sore throat have an infectious-inflammatory cause, but the doctor should select the drug individually, having learned the history, having examined, laboratory and instrumental studies. An effective spray for a sore throat is one that acts on the cause of the onset of unpleasant symptoms.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to sore throat with therapist Tatyana Pomerantseva.

Sources of

1. Analytical review of DSM-groups (Pharmaceutical market of Russia, March 2020)
2. Directory of medicines and pharmacy products RLS®
3. Clinical guidelines “Acute and chronic pharyngitis”, 2013
4. Clinical guidelines “Acute and chronic tonsillitis”, 2016