If you have a bad case of the cough, it’s possible that you also develop a sore throat. That of course, is if you don’t already have one. Because the coughing reflex can scar and irritate throat tissues, sore throat is often inevitable in the presence of a cough. Luckily, there are products you can buy over the counter to help soothe your throat and calm your cough.
Considered “medicine” for sore throat and cough, medicated lozenges work well to suppress cough and soothe raw throat tissues to provide instant and temporary relief. Lozenges are highly accessible through most grocery stores and drugstores, but don’t let the wide variety confuse you. Get fast relief for your cough and throat by following this buying guide for the best medicine for sore throat and cough.
Top 10 Medicines for Sore Throat and Cough
| Picture | Name | Flavor | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Fisherman's Friend Original Extra Strong Cough Suppressant Lozenges, 40-Count Bags (Pack of 12) | Menthol | $$$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. My Doctor Suggests Organic Silver Throat Lozenges - Sweet Menthol | Sweetened Menthol | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Jakeman's Throat and Chest Anise Flavored Lozenges, 4 Count | Anise | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 4. Chloraseptic Total Sugar Free Multi-Symptom Lozenges, Cherry, 15 Count | Cherry | $ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough, Maximum Strength Numbing, Instant Action, 16 Lozenges | Mixed Berry | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 6. Olbas Sugar Free Cough Drops Lozenges, 24 Count | Black Currant | $ | 4.5 |
 | 7. MEDIQUE 81550 MEDI-FIRST CHERRY COUGH DROP | Cherry | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 8. Sucrets Sore Throat & Cough Vapor Cherry 18 Each | Cherry | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 9. Vicks VapoDrops Menthol Cough Drops (20 Drops) 2-Pack | Menthol | $ | 4.3 |
 | 10. A.Vogel Cough Drops Soothing Pine - 18 Lozenges | Menthol | $$$ | 4.2 |
Purchase Information
Cough can be caused by a multitude of different conditions – from allergic reactions, to gastric reflux, and even the common cold. Sore throat usually develops as a result of cough, when the muscles of the throat are overworked to produce the coughing reflex. That said, there isn’t exactly a ‘medicine’ for sore throat and cough, because these are both merely symptoms of an underlying condition. To achieve long-term relief, it would be necessary to take medicine for whatever caused the cough in the first place.
Regardless, medicated lozenges can suppress cough and soothe raw throat tissues for temporary relief. Understanding the specifics of medicated lozenges will help you determine which would be the best medicine for sore throat and cough for your case.
- Formulated for Cough. There is a difference between a typical lozenge and a lozenge intended for cough. As a general rule, all cough drops relieve sore throat. They’re essentially extra strong candies that leave a lingering sensation in the oral cavity to soothe throat scars and rawness.
Medicated lozenges on the other hand, incorporate small amounts of cough suppressant ingredients into their formulation. This helps not only relieve throat soreness, but also keeps your cough at bay. It’s ideal that you steer clear of typical lozenges and look for those that are really intended for use as a cough suppressant.
- Flavor Preferences. Medicated lozenges often don’t taste very pleasant, which is why some people have difficulty melting and soaking one in their mouth for extended periods of time. While there are some that are flavored and sweetened, ingredients like flavoring and sugar can contribute to the development of a sore throat. Considering your flavor preferences before making a purchase will help make it easier for you to use a lozenge if and when you need one.
- Multi-Symptom Relief. It’s more common to find lozenges that are formulated for cough and sore throat, but there are others that target a myriad of other symptoms. If you’re experiencing sinus congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, you may be able to find lozenges that relieve these symptoms as well to get the most out of your purchase.
Top 3 Best Medicine for Sore Throat and Cough Reviews
1. Fisherman’s Friend Cough Suppressant Lozenges
A very popular name in the market of medicated lozenges is Fisherman’s Friend. Their Original Extra Strong Cough Suppressant lozenges are considered the best medicine for sore throat and cough based on consumer reviews. This straightforward product packs a powerful menthol flavor that suppresses cough and cools throat tissues for instant relief.
While some might find that Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong Cough Suppressant’s menthol flavor is too strong, this does effectively relieve cough for as long as the minty sensation lingers in the oral cavity. It’s this potent ingredient that works to numb the throat and suppress the cough reflex.
Finally, Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong Cough Suppressant is available at a very reasonable price point. At just a fraction of the cost of other competitors available, it’s definitely a worthy purchase that maximizes the value of your money by providing real, fast, and reliable results.
2. My Doctor Suggests Organic Silver Throat Lozenges
Based on user reviews, the Organic Silver Throat Lozenges – Sweet Menthol cough drop comes in at a close second place. This option also uses a menthol ingredient to numb the throat and reduce coughing, while soothing scarred muscles with a minty aftertaste.
While it is relatively effective, it does have a tinge of sweetness to it. This can further aggravate a sore throat, especially in people who have lower thresholds for sweetness. It would be wise to try the product first before using it as your go-to medicine for sore throat and cough to determine how well your body responds to the formula.
3. Jakeman’s Throat and Chest Anise Flavored Lozenges
This lozenge is made from all-natural ingredients, and comes in a unique anise flavor. Reminiscent of licorice, Jakeman’s Lozenges can be very pleasant for some people. The cough drop also incorporates menthol into its ingredients, which works as a cough suppressant and oral anesthetic.
Based on reviews, Jakeman’s Throat and Chest Anise Flavored Lozenges is a very effective product, offering instant, long-lasting, and potent relief against sore throat and cough. The only issue that some buyers have with this product is that it is quite expensive compared to other options. Each Jakeman’s Lozenge can be priced at around 10 times the cost of other lozenges available, making it impractical for people who want to use their cough drop on a frequent basis.