Does Mucinex help with a sore throat?

Yes, there are 4 Mucinex over-the-counter (OTC) daytime products that can help with your sore throat. Three products come as lozenges that contain hexylresorcinol and one is an oral spray with benzocaine. They all belong to the Mucinex InstaSoothe line of products.

• Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief lozenges
• Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Soothing Comfort lozenges
• Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief lozenges
• Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief throat spray

How do I use Mucinex for a sore throat?

Mucinex for sore throats comes as oral lozenges you dissolve in your mouth or as an oral spray. You can use these OTC medicines throughout the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth, a canker sore or a cough, depending upon your symptoms and the product you select.

Mucinex Products for Sore Throat

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth and a cough. It may also help relieve pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 5 mg of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan and 2 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with alpine herbs and fresh mint.

Dose

• In adults and children 12 years and older, allow 2 lozenges (1 immediately after the other) to dissolve slowly in the mouth. This may be repeated every 4 hours as needed, up to 12 lozenges in any 24-hour period.
• In children 6 to under 12 years of age, allow one lozenge to slowly dissolve in the mouth. This may be repeated every 4 hours as needed, up to 6 lozenges in any 24-hour period.
• Do not use this product in children under 6 years of age.

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Soothing Comfort lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 2.4 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with honey and echinacea.

Dose

• In adults and children 6 years of age and older, allow one lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth. This may be repeated every 2 hours as needed or directed by a doctor or dentist.
• In children under 6 years of age: do not use

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief lozenges are used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. Each lozenge contains 2 mg of the oral pain reliever hexylresorcinol. This product is flavored with elderberry and wild cherry.

Dose

• In adults and children 12 years and older, allow 2 lozenges (1 immediately after the other) to dissolve slowly in the mouth. This may be repeated every 2 hours as needed.
• In children 6 to under 12 years of age, allow one lozenge to slowly dissolve in the mouth. This may be repeated every 2 hours as needed.
• In children under 6 years of age, do not use this product.

Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief throat spray is used in the daytime to help relieve a sore throat, a sore mouth or pain associated with canker sores. The active ingredients include the numbing medicine and pain reliever benzocaine 7% and pain reliever menthol 1%. This product is alcohol-free and cherry-flavored.

Dose

• In adults and children 12 years of age and over, apply one spray to the affected area; gargle, swish around in the mouth, or allow it to remain in place at least 1 minute then spit it out. Use up to 4 times daily or as directed by a doctor.
• Children 6 to under 12 years of age: Supervise use.
• In children under 6 years of age, do not use this product.

Mucinex also makes other products that target symptoms due to chest congestion from the cold or flu, sinus and nasal congestion, sore throat as part of the cold or flu, and specific medicines targeted for children. Ask your pharmacist if you are having trouble deciding on the right product for your symptoms.

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Do I need an antibiotic for a sore throat?

Sore throats are usually viral in nature, do not typically need an antibiotic, and often clear up with home treatment in a few days. Other causes for sore throat include viral laryngitis or tonsillitis. However, some sore throats like strep throat can be bacterial and may need diagnosis and treatment by your doctor.

Common symptoms of sore throats include throat pain that might get worse when talking, eating or swallowing; Enlarged, painful glands in your neck area; and inflamed, reddened throat and tonsils.

Home remedies you can try to help relieve your symptoms include:

• Getting enough rest and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Gargling with salt water (½ tablespoon of salt to eight ounces of warm, not hot, water)
• Using a humidifier or vaporizer to help keep the air from drying out, especially in the bedroom
• Placing a warm compress or towel around your throat
• Eating "cool" foods like popsicles or ice chips
• Sipping on warm tea with honey, warm soups and broth

Learn more: Sore Throat Overview

If your sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting, consult your doctor right away. They may decide to do a throat swab test to determine if an antibiotic is needed.

How much does Mucinex cost?

In general, Mucinex products will range from $5.00 to $10.00 per item, depending upon your location and pharmacy. These products can usually be found at common retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, your community pharmacy and local grocery and convenience stores

The cost for this medicine is eligible for your health savings plan or flexible spending account and you may be able to get an online coupon from the manufacturer.

This is not all the information you need to know about Mucinex for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full OTC Drug Facts Information label found on the specific Mucinex product before using it. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.