Over The Counter Medicine For Post Nasal Drip Sore Throat
Post nasal drip sore throat is a common condition that occurs when mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and pain. There are several over the counter (OTC) medications that can help relieve the symptoms of post nasal drip sore throat. In this article, we will discuss the different types of OTC medicines available for post nasal drip sore throat.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body in response to allergens. Antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms of post nasal drip sore throat caused by allergies. They can reduce the amount of mucus produced by the body, making it easier to breathe and reducing the irritation in the throat.
Some common OTC antihistamines include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
It is important to note that antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it is best to take them before bedtime. They should also be avoided if you are driving or operating heavy machinery.
Decongestants
Decongestants are medications that help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. This can help reduce the amount of mucus produced by the body and relieve the symptoms of post nasal drip sore throat. Decongestants can be taken orally or applied topically as nasal sprays.
Some common OTC decongestants include:
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
It is important to note that decongestants can cause side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. They should be used with caution if you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
Analgesics
Analgesics are medications that help relieve pain and discomfort. They can be used to relieve the sore throat associated with post nasal drip. Some common OTC analgesics include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily dose of these medications. Overuse can lead to liver damage or other serious health problems.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are medications that help relieve the cough associated with post nasal drip sore throat. They work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. Some common OTC cough suppressants include:
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)
- Benzonatate (Tessalon)
- Codeine (only available by prescription)
It is important to note that cough suppressants should not be used if you are coughing up mucus. Coughing is the body's way of clearing mucus from the airways.
Mucolytics
Mucolytics are medications that help break up mucus and make it easier to clear from the airways. They can be used to relieve the symptoms of post nasal drip sore throat caused by excessive mucus production. Some common OTC mucolytics include:
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
- Bromhexine (only available by prescription)
- Acetylcysteine (only available by prescription)
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking mucolytics to help thin the mucus and make it easier to clear from the airways.
Conclusion
Post nasal drip sore throat can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition to deal with. However, there are several OTC medications available that can help relieve the symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics, cough suppressants, and mucolytics can all be effective in treating post nasal drip sore throat. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and use caution when taking these medications, especially if you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.