How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Fast
Which sore throat remedies actually work, which are old wives’ tales, and when it’s time to get help.
Part of our Sore Throat condition guide.
Get urgent help first. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing, a high-pitched sound when breathing, drooling or can’t swallow your saliva, or can’t open your mouth properly. Contact NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or your GP the same day for severe pain on one side of the throat, a very high temperature, or a weakened immune system. Online treatment is not suitable in these situations.
Key fact: Nothing clears a sore throat overnight. Your immune system needs several days either way. What you can do is make those days hurt less, and most people actually under-treat the pain rather than over-treat it.
Ease a Sore Throat With Pharmacist-Reviewed Treatment
Access Doctor is a UK online doctor and GPhC-registered pharmacy. We can help with sore throat treatment online, without a GP appointment, from soothing sprays and rinses to prescription antibiotics when they’re genuinely needed. You can also browse all common infection treatments.
View Sore Throat Treatments →Adults only online. Access Doctor’s online antibiotic service is for adults aged 18 and over. A child with a sore throat should be assessed in person by a GP, a community pharmacist through NHS Pharmacy First (age 5 and over) or NHS 111.
What "fast" realistically means
It’s worth being honest about this, because the internet is full of promises that a sore throat can be cured overnight.
A sore throat is inflammation caused by an infection, usually a viral one. Your immune system needs three to seven days to clear it. No gargle, supplement or remedy meaningfully speeds that up. Even antibiotics shorten symptoms by only about 16 hours on average across clinical trials.
So “getting rid of a sore throat fast” really means two things: controlling the pain properly so the days pass more comfortably, and avoiding the things that make the inflammation worse.
3–4 days
until most sore throats noticeably improve
1 week
typical full resolution without treatment
~16 hrs
average time antibiotics shorten symptoms
The things that work best
If you only do three things, do these. Honestly, most people skip the first one.
1
Take pain relief regularly, at full dose
Paracetamol or ibuprofen on a schedule, not when the pain becomes unbearable. This is the single most effective thing you can do, and the one people most often under-use. NICE suggests paracetamol first, or ibuprofen if you can take it safely.
2
Use a benzydamine spray or rinse
Benzydamine is both a local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory, applied straight to the inflamed tissue. Many people find using it about 15 minutes before meals makes eating easier.
3
Keep fluids going
A dry throat hurts more, and dehydration makes you feel generally worse. Whatever temperature you prefer, keep drinking steadily through the day.
Sore throat remedies: what the evidence says
| Remedy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol / ibuprofen | Recommended by NICE | Regular full dosing. Check you can take ibuprofen safely. |
| Benzydamine spray or rinse | Licensed for throat pain | Numbs and reduces inflammation directly. Pharmacy-only product. |
| Medicated lozenges | Small benefit | NICE says lozenges with a local anaesthetic, NSAID or antiseptic may help a little. |
| Honey | Some evidence for cough | Soothing, and may ease an accompanying cough. Never under 12 months old. |
| Salt water gargle | Little trial evidence | Half a teaspoon in warm water. Cheap and harmless for adults. |
| Cool fluids and ice lollies | Little trial evidence | Mild numbing effect and helps hydration at the same time. |
| Sucking plain sweets | No trial evidence | Stimulates saliva, which lubricates the throat. |
| Humidified air | Little trial evidence | Helps if dry indoor air is aggravating things. |
| Rest | Supportive | Does not target the throat but supports recovery. |
| Vitamin C | Little to none once ill | Does not treat an established sore throat. |
| Zinc lozenges | Mixed and inconsistent | Evidence is weak; can cause nausea and taste disturbance. |
| Antibiotics | Only if bacterial | No effect on viral sore throats, which are the majority. |
The best thing for a sore throat at each stage
First scratchy feeling
Start fluids and rest early. Take paracetamol at the first real discomfort rather than waiting.
Days one to three, peak pain
Regular full-dose pain relief plus benzydamine spray. This is when good symptom control matters most.
Struggling to eat
Benzydamine 15 minutes before meals, soft cool foods, and small frequent amounts rather than full meals.
Night-time
Full-dose pain relief before bed, water within reach, and slight head elevation to reduce mouth breathing.
Days four to seven, settling
Step pain relief down as it improves. Keep fluids up and avoid smoke.
Beyond a week
Stop self-managing and get assessed. Persistence is a signal, not something to push through.
A practical day-one plan
- Morning — full dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen with a large glass of water. Benzydamine spray before breakfast.
- Through the day — keep a drink beside you and sip continuously rather than drinking occasionally in large amounts.
- Before each meal — benzydamine spray or rinse about 15 minutes ahead. Choose soft, cool foods: yoghurt, soup that has cooled, scrambled eggs, ice cream.
- Every few hours — salt water gargle if you find it helps, and a lozenge between doses of pain relief.
- Evening — keep pain relief spaced correctly rather than bunching doses. Stay off cigarettes and vapes entirely.
- Bedtime — full-dose pain relief timed so it covers the first part of the night, water by the bed, extra pillow.
Dose spacing matters more than dose size. Most people take pain relief too late and too infrequently, then conclude it doesn’t work. Paracetamol up to 4 times in 24 hours, or ibuprofen up to 3 times a day with food, with at least 4 hours between doses, keeps a steady level rather than letting the pain break through.
Getting through the night
Sore throats reliably feel worse at night and first thing in the morning. There are practical reasons: you swallow less while asleep so secretions pool and the throat dries, mouth breathing when the nose is blocked dries it further, and the last dose of pain relief has usually worn off by the early hours.
- Time your evening pain relief dose to cover the first half of the night
- Keep water on the bedside table and sip if you wake
- Prop your head slightly higher with an extra pillow
- If your nose is blocked, treating that reduces mouth breathing
- A humidifier or a bowl of water in the room helps if the air is very dry
- Avoid alcohol, which dries the throat and disrupts sleep
What to avoid
- Smoking and vaping — directly irritates inflamed tissue and prolongs recovery
- Alcohol — dehydrating and irritating
- Very hot drinks — comforting in theory, but heat aggravates inflamed tissue
- Shouting or prolonged talking — particularly if your voice is already hoarse
- Dry, air-conditioned environments where you can avoid them
- Leftover antibiotics — taking someone else’s or your own from a previous illness is both ineffective for viral infection and harmful
- Sharing cups, cutlery and towels — you are likely contagious
Order Difflam for Targeted Sore Throat Relief
Benzydamine numbs and reduces inflammation directly at the throat, which can help with painful swallowing. Available from Access Doctor after a short online consultation, dispensed from our UK pharmacy. Approved before 3pm, Monday to Friday? Dispatched the same day, by Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery guaranteed by 1pm next working day: you choose.
Order Difflam Spray →Myths that waste your time
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics will clear it quickly | Most sore throats are viral, where antibiotics do nothing. Across trials, antibiotics shortened symptoms by only about 16 hours. |
| A severe sore throat must be bacterial | Viral sore throats can be excruciating. Severity does not indicate cause. |
| Vitamin C will cut it short | Once you are already ill, vitamin C does not meaningfully shorten a sore throat. |
| Hot drinks are better than cold | No strong evidence either way. Use whichever soothes you, avoiding scalding temperatures. |
| You should starve a fever | Old folklore with no basis. Eat what you can manage and keep fluids up. |
| White patches always mean strep | Exudate occurs in viral infections too, notably glandular fever. |
| Gargling with spirits disinfects the throat | Alcohol irritates and dries inflamed tissue. It makes things worse. |
When self-care is not enough
Self-care is the right approach for the large majority of sore throats. It stops being the right approach when the pattern changes.
- No improvement at all after three to five days of proper symptom control
- Getting worse rather than better after the first few days
- Lasting beyond a week — see our guide on a sore throat that will not go away
- High fever with no cough or runny nose, and pus on the tonsils — this pattern suggests bacterial infection, covered in sore throat vs strep throat
- Recurrent episodes clustering over months
- A weakened immune system, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid treatment
If a bacterial cause looks likely, a prescriber can assess whether an antibiotic is warranted. Our guide on antibiotics for sore throat explains how that decision is made.
Red flags: when to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if there is difficulty breathing, a high-pitched noise when breathing, drooling or inability to swallow saliva, inability to open the mouth properly, severe one-sided throat pain with a muffled voice, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP the same day for a very high temperature you cannot control, symptoms clearly worsening after three to five days, a fine red sandpaper rash, or if you have a weakened immune system.
UK safety and reporting side effects
Antibiotics for sore throat are prescription-only medicines in the UK. Before anything is prescribed, a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your consultation, including your allergies and the other medicines you take. Always read the patient information leaflet in the pack. Never share antibiotics with anyone else, even if their symptoms seem the same, and don’t keep leftovers for another time: return unused tablets to a pharmacy.
If you think you have had a side effect from a medicine, tell your pharmacist or doctor. You can also report it to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme, which helps keep medicines safe for everyone.
In England, people aged 5 and over may be able to get sore throat treatment free from a community pharmacy through the NHS Pharmacy First service, or from their GP. Our private online service is an alternative for adults aged 18 and over who would rather not wait for an appointment. You can see all our sore throat treatment online options on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of a sore throat fast?
The fastest reliable relief comes from regular pain relief rather than any home remedy. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose on a schedule rather than waiting for the pain to peak, and add a benzydamine spray or rinse for direct numbing at the throat. Salt water gargles, cool fluids and honey provide additional comfort. Nothing genuinely cures a sore throat overnight, because the underlying infection needs several days to clear, but good symptom control makes those days considerably easier.
What is the best thing for a sore throat?
For most people the best single measure is regular paracetamol or ibuprofen at the full recommended dose. NICE suggests paracetamol first, or ibuprofen if you can take it safely. Beyond that, a benzydamine spray or rinse is licensed for sore throat pain and combines a local anaesthetic effect with anti-inflammatory action directly on the throat lining. Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, an anti-inflammatory or an antiseptic may help a little.
Does honey help a sore throat?
It may help. Honey is soothing, and there is some evidence that it eases the cough that often comes with a sore throat, though there is little trial evidence for the throat pain itself. A spoonful on its own or stirred into a warm drink is a sensible addition to pain relief, though it will not replace it. Honey must never be given to infants under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
Do salt water gargles work for a sore throat?
They provide mild, short-lived relief. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle for around 30 seconds and spit it out, repeating several times a day. There is little trial evidence for it, but many people find it soothing. Any relief lasts only a short while, so treat gargling as a supplement to pain relief rather than a substitute. Do not use it for young children who may swallow the solution.
How long should a sore throat last?
Most sore throats improve noticeably within three to four days and resolve within a week without any specific treatment. Some viral sore throats linger a few days longer, particularly if a cough develops. If your sore throat is no better after a week, is getting worse rather than better, or keeps returning, that pattern warrants a clinical assessment rather than continued self-treatment.
Should I drink hot or cold drinks for a sore throat?
Whichever you find more soothing, because there is no strong evidence favouring one over the other. Many people find cold drinks, ice lollies and ice cream more comforting when the throat is acutely inflamed, since cold has a mild numbing effect. Others prefer warm drinks with honey. What actually matters is that you keep drinking, since dehydration makes a dry throat feel worse. Avoid drinks hot enough to scald, which will irritate the throat further.
Can I get rid of a sore throat overnight?
Realistically, no. A sore throat is a symptom of an infection your immune system needs several days to clear, and no remedy shortens that meaningfully. Even antibiotics reduce symptoms by only around 16 hours on average across clinical trials. What you can do overnight is control the pain well: full-dose pain relief before bed, a benzydamine spray, fluids within reach, and a slightly elevated head position to reduce the dry mouth that makes throats feel worse in the morning.
Can a pharmacist help with a sore throat?
Yes. A pharmacist can recommend pain relief, sprays and lozenges, and tell you whether you need to see someone. In England, people aged 5 and over may be able to get a sore throat assessed free through the NHS Pharmacy First service, and treated with an antibiotic if one is needed. Our online service is an alternative for adults aged 18 and over.
Completing the treatment
For most sore throats the right answer is good pain relief rather than an antibiotic. Access Doctor supplies pharmacy-only benzydamine products for targeted relief, and prescription antibiotics for the minority of cases that need them, following a short online consultation reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber. No GP appointment is needed and orders are dispensed from our UK pharmacy. See all our sore throat treatment online options.
Pain relief · P
Difflam Sore Throat Spray
Benzydamine spray for fast, targeted numbing of a painful throat.
View product →Pain relief · P
Difflam Oral Rinse
Gargle formulation covering the throat and mouth more widely.
View product →Antibiotic · Rx
Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg
For confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial sore throat only.
View product →Antibiotic · Rx
Clarithromycin 250mg
Alternative antibiotic where there is penicillin allergy.
View product →References
- NHS. Sore throat. nhs.uk
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Sore throat – acute. cks.nice.org.uk
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG84). 2018, updated. nice.org.uk
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary: benzydamine hydrochloride. bnf.nice.org.uk
- NHS. Ibuprofen for adults. nhs.uk
- NHS. Paracetamol for adults. nhs.uk
- NHS Start for Life. Foods to avoid giving babies and young children. nhs.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.