Treatments & products
NHS
NHS sore throat treatment (5+) - free
Sore throat can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First for eligible patients aged 5 and...
Free NHS service
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GSL
Benylin Dry & Tickly Cough Syrup
A soothing glycerol syrup that relieves dry, tickly and irritating coughs and eases an...
from £6.49
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GSL
Lemsip Max All-in-One Capsules
Maximum-strength cold and flu relief — high-dose paracetamol, nasal decongestant and...
only £4.49
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GSL
Panadol Advance 500mg Tablets
Fast-absorbing paracetamol with OptiZorb technology
only £2.49
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GSL
Paracetamol 500mg Tablets
Paracetamol 500mg tablets for pain relief, supplied as a 16-tablet general-sale pack
from £0.99
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Sore Throat — your questions, answered
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Usually not — most sore throats are viral and get better on their own. Antibiotics only help the minority that are bacterial, which our pharmacist can assess.
How can I ease a sore throat?
Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), warm drinks, and lozenges or sprays all help. Rest and fluids do most of the work.
When should I get it checked?
Get help if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a very high fever, or symptoms that keep getting worse. Ages 5+ can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First.
How long does a sore throat last?
Most settle within a week. If yours lasts longer or keeps returning, come and speak to us.
Information only — always read the patient leaflet and ask our pharmacist if you're unsure. Prescription treatments are supplied only after a consultation and our pharmacist's approval.