PHARMACIST-REVIEWED GUIDE · PAKISTAN
Painkillers, gargles and home remedies that ease a sore throat, and the signs that mean you need a doctor.
✓ Reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D · ✓ Based on NHS & WHO guidance · ✓ 3–4 hr delivery in Lahore
Medically reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D (8 years’ experience as a pharmacist) · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
The best medicine for throat infection pain or a sore throat, for most people, is a simple painkiller, paracetamol or ibuprofen, together with a medicated gargle or throat spray and plenty of fluids. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within about a week, so antibiotics usually don’t help. See a doctor if the pain lasts more than a week, you have a high fever, or you cannot swallow.
Key points
Most sore throats are caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu. Other common causes in Pakistan include:
Prices are Divine Medicines prices checked in October 2026 and can change.
| Medicine | Type | How it helps | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panadol 500 mg (paracetamol) | Painkiller | Eases pain and fever; safe for most people, including in pregnancy at the label dose | About Rs 35 per strip |
| Brufen 200 mg (ibuprofen) | Anti-inflammatory painkiller | Reduces pain and throat swelling; take with food | About Rs 42 per strip |
| Enziclor gargle | Benzydamine + chlorhexidine gargle | Numbs and soothes the throat; antiseptic | About Rs 392 |
| Solophar throat spray | Antiseptic spray (dequalinium + benzalkonium) | Sprays directly on the sore area | About Rs 1,213 |
| Marhaba honey | Home remedy | Coats and soothes the throat; also calms cough | About Rs 361 |
Both work well for a sore throat. Ibuprofen also reduces swelling, so some people find it works better, but it is not suitable if you have a stomach ulcer, kidney disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or certain types of asthma, or in late pregnancy. Paracetamol suits almost everyone at the label dose. Don’t take paracetamol with other “cold and flu” tablets that already contain it, such as Panadol CF.
Benzydamine gargles relieve pain for a few hours and are useful before meals if swallowing hurts. Antiseptic sprays and lozenges soothe the throat, but they do not cure an infection. Don’t swallow gargles, and don’t use them in young children who can’t spit them out.
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Usually not. Most sore throats are viral, and antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Taking them when they aren’t needed causes side effects and adds to antibiotic resistance, which is a serious problem in Pakistan.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is likely, for example a high fever, very swollen tonsils with white patches, tender neck glands and no cough. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the full course even when you feel better.
For children, use paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup in the dose for their age and weight, such as Calpol suspension. Give plenty of fluids and soft food. Don’t give lozenges or hard sweets to young children because of the choking risk. See a doctor if a child has a sore throat with a high fever, a rash, or refuses to drink.
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See a doctor if:
Get emergency help if you are struggling to breathe, cannot swallow even your saliva, are drooling, make a high-pitched sound when breathing in, or your symptoms are getting worse very quickly.
Gale ki kharash aksar virus se hoti hai aur ek hafte mein khud theek ho jati hai. Dard aur bukhar ke liye Panadol ya Brufen lein, garam pani mein namak se garare karein, shehad aur zyada pani piyen. Antibiotic sirf doctor ke kehne par lein. Agar ek hafte mein farq na pare, tez bukhar ho, ya nigalne aur saans lene mein mushkil ho to foran doctor ko dikhayen.
For most people, paracetamol or ibuprofen with a benzydamine gargle or throat spray gives the best relief. Add warm fluids and honey.
There is no instant cure, but taking a painkiller, gargling with warm salt water, drinking plenty of fluids and resting your voice will ease the pain while your body clears the infection, usually within a week.
Only a doctor can decide whether you need an antibiotic and which one. Most throat infections are viral and get better without antibiotics.
It can be. A sore throat with sudden fever, body aches and tiredness suggests flu. A rapid test can confirm COVID-19.
Yes. Polluted air irritates the throat and airways, especially in Lahore from November to January. A well-fitting mask, fluids and gargles help.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Paracetamol at the label dose is usually the safest painkiller in pregnancy.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the pack leaflet and follow the dose on the label or prescription.
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