Updated:March, 2026

10 Best Over The Counter Sore Throat Medicine For Adults of 2026

Best Choice

9.9

Outstanding

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu & Nightshift Medicine for Adults, Over-The-Counter Medication Combo Pack for Sore Throat Relief, Decongestant, Cough & Cold Medicine (2 x 6 Fl Oz)

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Why We Love It

COUGH COLD AND FLU MEDICINES FOR ADULTS: This combo pack of Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu and Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu provides powerful multi-symptom cold and flu relief for your worst cold and flu symptoms
SORE THROAT RELIEF: Both liquids contain Acetaminophen, which helps reduce fever and relieves sore throat, headache, and body pain
COUGH MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Both liquids contain Dextromethorphan HBr, which helps suppress and quiet cough
CHEST CONGESTION RELIEF: Daytime liquid contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps relieve chest congestion and thins and loosens mucus
NASAL DECONGESTANT: Both liquids contain Phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant, which helps relieve stuffy nose, sinus pressure, & nasal congestion
NIGHTTIME COLD AND FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Nighttime liquid contains Triprolidine HCl, an antihistamine, which helps relieve runny nose & sneezing
USAGE: Use as directed; For ages 12+ years

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Why We Love It

COUGH COLD AND FLU MEDICINES FOR ADULTS: This combo pack of Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu and Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu provides powerful multi-symptom cold and flu relief for your worst cold and flu symptoms
SORE THROAT RELIEF: Both liquids contain Acetaminophen, which helps reduce fever and relieves sore throat, headache, and body pain
COUGH MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Both liquids contain Dextromethorphan HBr, which helps suppress and quiet cough
CHEST CONGESTION RELIEF: Daytime liquid contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps relieve chest congestion and thins and loosens mucus
NASAL DECONGESTANT: Both liquids contain Phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant, which helps relieve stuffy nose, sinus pressure, & nasal congestion
NIGHTTIME COLD AND FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Nighttime liquid contains Triprolidine HCl, an antihistamine, which helps relieve runny nose & sneezing
USAGE: Use as directed; For ages 12+ years

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9.5

Excellent

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Maximum Strength Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Medicine for Adults, Powerful Over-The-Counter Medication for Chest Congestion & Cold and Flu Symptoms, Fast Dissolving Liquid Gels, 16 Count

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Main Highlights

COLD AND FLU MEDICINE: Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat liquid gels provide powerful relief for headache, sore throat, minor pains, fever, chest congestion and body aches
PAIN RELIEF & FEVER REDUCER: Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and relieve pain like headache, body aches, and sore throat
CHEST CONGESTION RELIEF FOR ADULTS: Contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant that aids in thinning and loosening mucus for more productive coughs and chest congestion relief
NOTHING WORKS FASTER**: Fast-dissolving liquid gels tackle 5 different cold and flu symptoms so you can get back to your day
FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Mucinex Fast-Max liquid gels provide powerful multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms
#1 TRUSTED COUGH & COLD BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 cough and cold brand doctors trust*
**Among oral OTC cold & flu liquid gels

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Main Highlights

COLD AND FLU MEDICINE: Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat liquid gels provide powerful relief for headache, sore throat, minor pains, fever, chest congestion and body aches
PAIN RELIEF & FEVER REDUCER: Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and relieve pain like headache, body aches, and sore throat
CHEST CONGESTION RELIEF FOR ADULTS: Contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant that aids in thinning and loosening mucus for more productive coughs and chest congestion relief
NOTHING WORKS FASTER**: Fast-dissolving liquid gels tackle 5 different cold and flu symptoms so you can get back to your day
FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Mucinex Fast-Max liquid gels provide powerful multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms
#1 TRUSTED COUGH & COLD BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 cough and cold brand doctors trust*
**Among oral OTC cold & flu liquid gels

9.5

Excellent

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Maximum Strength Day & Night Cold and Flu Medicine for Adults, Powerful Over-The-Counter Medication for Cold & Flu Symptoms, Fast Dissolving Liquid Gels, 24 Count

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Main Highlights

COLD AND FLU MEDICINE: Mucinex Fast-Max Daytime Cold & Flu & Nighttime Cold & Flu liquid gels give powerful relief for headache, sore throat, body pain, fever, cough, runny nose and more
PAIN & FEVER RELIEF: Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and relieve pain like headache, body aches, sore throat including those associated with cold & flu
COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Contains Dextromethorpan HBr which helps suppress the urge to cough during the day and at night to help you get to sleep
RUNNY NOSE RELIEF: Doxylamine succinate helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, & itchy/watery eyes (nighttime liquid gels only)
NOTHING WORKS FASTER**: Fast dissolving liquid gels for powerful multi-symptom cold and flu relief day and night
FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Mucinex Fast-Max Daytime Cold & Flu & Nighttime Cold & Flu liquid gels provides multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms day and night
#1 TRUSTED COLD & COUGH BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 cough and cold brand doctors trust*
**Among oral OTC cold & flu liquid gels

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Main Highlights

COLD AND FLU MEDICINE: Mucinex Fast-Max Daytime Cold & Flu & Nighttime Cold & Flu liquid gels give powerful relief for headache, sore throat, body pain, fever, cough, runny nose and more
PAIN & FEVER RELIEF: Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and relieve pain like headache, body aches, sore throat including those associated with cold & flu
COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Contains Dextromethorpan HBr which helps suppress the urge to cough during the day and at night to help you get to sleep
RUNNY NOSE RELIEF: Doxylamine succinate helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, & itchy/watery eyes (nighttime liquid gels only)
NOTHING WORKS FASTER**: Fast dissolving liquid gels for powerful multi-symptom cold and flu relief day and night
FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Mucinex Fast-Max Daytime Cold & Flu & Nighttime Cold & Flu liquid gels provides multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms day and night
#1 TRUSTED COLD & COUGH BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 cough and cold brand doctors trust*
**Among oral OTC cold & flu liquid gels

9.2

Excellent

ALKA-SELTZER PLUS

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cough & Sore Throat Fizzy Chews, No Water Needed, On The Go Sore Throat Relief for Adults, Raspberry Flavor, 24 Count

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Main Highlights

The next generation of fizz: Introducing Alka Seltzer Plus Cough & Sore Throat FizzyChews, a chewable, on the go, fast-acting cough medicine
On the go relief: These cough and sore throat chewable tablets activate without water,making them a great option to grab and go
Fast, powerful cough & flu relief: This new cough symptom relief medicine provides relief of fever, body aches, cough and sore throat
#1 Best Tasting Adult Chewable* No water needed! *Among leading cough cold brands. Based on consumer preference study
Raspberry flavor: Fast cough relief in raspberry flavored tablets
Adults and children 12 years and over: Take 2 tablets every 4 hours; do not exceed 6doses (12 tablets) in 24 hours or as directed by a doctor. Use as directed.

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Main Highlights

The next generation of fizz: Introducing Alka Seltzer Plus Cough & Sore Throat FizzyChews, a chewable, on the go, fast-acting cough medicine
On the go relief: These cough and sore throat chewable tablets activate without water,making them a great option to grab and go
Fast, powerful cough & flu relief: This new cough symptom relief medicine provides relief of fever, body aches, cough and sore throat
#1 Best Tasting Adult Chewable* No water needed! *Among leading cough cold brands. Based on consumer preference study
Raspberry flavor: Fast cough relief in raspberry flavored tablets
Adults and children 12 years and over: Take 2 tablets every 4 hours; do not exceed 6doses (12 tablets) in 24 hours or as directed by a doctor. Use as directed.

9.0

Excellent

Vicks

VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, Congestion, Sinus Pressure, Stuffy Nose, and Cough, 48 LiquiCaps

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Main Highlights

RELIEF YOU TRUST, DAY & NIGHT. Use non-drowsy DayQuil SEVERE for daytime relief and at night try NyQuil SEVERE for fast relief so you can rest.
POWERFUL COLD & FLU RELIEF. DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE temporarily relieve common cold & flu symptoms
NOTHING WORKS FASTER. Just one dose starts working fast to provide effective cold & flu relief
PROVEN RELIEF FOR YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil and DayQuil SEVERE tackle your most bothersome cold & flu symptom
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

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Main Highlights

RELIEF YOU TRUST, DAY & NIGHT. Use non-drowsy DayQuil SEVERE for daytime relief and at night try NyQuil SEVERE for fast relief so you can rest.
POWERFUL COLD & FLU RELIEF. DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE temporarily relieve common cold & flu symptoms
NOTHING WORKS FASTER. Just one dose starts working fast to provide effective cold & flu relief
PROVEN RELIEF FOR YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil and DayQuil SEVERE tackle your most bothersome cold & flu symptom
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

8.8

Very Good

Tylenol

Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Nighttime Liquid Cold Medicine, Multi-Symptom Cold Relief, Acetaminophen Pain Reliever, Dextromethorphan HBr, Doxylamine Succinate, 8 Oz.

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Main Highlights

8-fluid ounce bottle of Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Nighttime Liquid Cold Medicine with acetaminophen for multi-symptom cold & flu, cough & sore throat relief
The extra strength nighttime relief liquid is formulated to temporarily reduce fevers & relieve common cold or flu symptoms such as minor body aches & pains, headache, sore throat & cough
Each dose of Tylenol Extra Strength Nighttime liquid contains 1,000 mg of acetaminophen, a pain reliever & fever reducer, 30 mg of dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant, as well as 12.5 mg of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine
Take 30 mL of Tylenol Extra Strength liquid in the dosing cup provided every 6 hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than 90 mL in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor
From the #1 doctor recommended pain relief brand, Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Nighttime liquid cold medicine can be used by adults & children 12 years & older for cough & sore throat relief at night

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Main Highlights

8-fluid ounce bottle of Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Nighttime Liquid Cold Medicine with acetaminophen for multi-symptom cold & flu, cough & sore throat relief
The extra strength nighttime relief liquid is formulated to temporarily reduce fevers & relieve common cold or flu symptoms such as minor body aches & pains, headache, sore throat & cough
Each dose of Tylenol Extra Strength Nighttime liquid contains 1,000 mg of acetaminophen, a pain reliever & fever reducer, 30 mg of dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant, as well as 12.5 mg of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine
Take 30 mL of Tylenol Extra Strength liquid in the dosing cup provided every 6 hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than 90 mL in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor
From the #1 doctor recommended pain relief brand, Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Nighttime liquid cold medicine can be used by adults & children 12 years & older for cough & sore throat relief at night

8.6

Very Good

Vicks

Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE Honey Cold & Flu Medicine, Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, Nasal Congestion, Sinus Pressure, Stuffy Nose, & Cough, Honey Flavor, 2x12 OZ

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Main Highlights

GREAT-TASTING HONEY FLAVORED DAYQUIL AND NYQUIL. Get the same cold & flu relief you expect from DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE in a great-tasting honey-licious flavor
POWERFUL MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF day or night. Use non-drowsy DayQuil SEVERE Honey for daytime and at night try NyQuil SEVERE Honey for fast relief so you can rest.
POWERFUL COLD & FLU RELIEF. DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE Honey formulas are flavored with real honey & temporarily relieve common cold & flu symptoms
PROVEN RELIEF FOR YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil and DayQuil SEVERE Honey tackle your most bothersome cold & flu symptoms
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

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Main Highlights

GREAT-TASTING HONEY FLAVORED DAYQUIL AND NYQUIL. Get the same cold & flu relief you expect from DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE in a great-tasting honey-licious flavor
POWERFUL MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF day or night. Use non-drowsy DayQuil SEVERE Honey for daytime and at night try NyQuil SEVERE Honey for fast relief so you can rest.
POWERFUL COLD & FLU RELIEF. DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE Honey formulas are flavored with real honey & temporarily relieve common cold & flu symptoms
PROVEN RELIEF FOR YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil and DayQuil SEVERE Honey tackle your most bothersome cold & flu symptoms
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

8.3

Very Good

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough Medicine, Maximum Strength Symptom Relief, Over-The-Counter Medication, Cold Medicine, Cough Suppressant, Expectorant, Nasal Decongestant, 6 FL OZ

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Main Highlights

COUGH COLD AND FLU MEDICINES FOR ADULTS: Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast Max Severe Congestion & Cough provides powerful multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms including cough, chest congestion, and nasal congestion
EXPECTORANTS AND DECONGESTANTS FOR ADULTS : Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough has a triple action formula that relieves nasal & chest congestion, controls cough & thins & loosens mucus to help clear lungs of excess mucus
POWERFUL COUGH & COLD ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Contains Dextromethorphan HBr - Cough suppressant; Guaifenesin - Expectorant; Phenylephrine HCI - Nasal decongestant
USAGE: Use as directed; For ages 12+ years

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Main Highlights

COUGH COLD AND FLU MEDICINES FOR ADULTS: Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast Max Severe Congestion & Cough provides powerful multi-symptom relief for your worst symptoms including cough, chest congestion, and nasal congestion
EXPECTORANTS AND DECONGESTANTS FOR ADULTS : Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough has a triple action formula that relieves nasal & chest congestion, controls cough & thins & loosens mucus to help clear lungs of excess mucus
POWERFUL COUGH & COLD ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Contains Dextromethorphan HBr - Cough suppressant; Guaifenesin - Expectorant; Phenylephrine HCI - Nasal decongestant
USAGE: Use as directed; For ages 12+ years

8.1

Very Good

Vicks

Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu Relief Over-the-Counter Medicine, Powerful Multi-Symptom Nighttime Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Aches, Sneezing, Runny Nose & Cough, 48 LiquiCaps

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Main Highlights

POWERFUL MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF for your headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches and pains, sneezing, runny nose, and cough.
EFFECTIVE NIGHTTIME COLD & FLU SYMPTOM RELIEF. NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquicaps temporarily relieves common cold & flu symptoms so you can get the rest you need
FAST RELIEF SO YOU CAN SLEEP. Don't let your cold keep you up. Just one dose of NyQuil starts working fast to provide effective cold & flu relief
POWER THROUGH YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil relieves bothersome symptoms such as cough and fever so that you can get the rest you need
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

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Main Highlights

POWERFUL MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF for your headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches and pains, sneezing, runny nose, and cough.
EFFECTIVE NIGHTTIME COLD & FLU SYMPTOM RELIEF. NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquicaps temporarily relieves common cold & flu symptoms so you can get the rest you need
FAST RELIEF SO YOU CAN SLEEP. Don't let your cold keep you up. Just one dose of NyQuil starts working fast to provide effective cold & flu relief
POWER THROUGH YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS. Life doesnt stop when you have a cold. NyQuil relieves bothersome symptoms such as cough and fever so that you can get the rest you need
WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND. Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms.

8.1

Very Good

Amazon Basic Care

Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Daytime Honey Flavor Severe Cold and Flu Relief, Multi-Symptom, Non-Drowsy, Cough, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Liquid Medicine, 12 fl oz (Pack of 1)

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Main Highlights

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Compare to the active ingredients of Vicks DayQuil Severe Honey Flavor Cold and Flu: acetaminophen, phenylephrine HCl, dextromethorphan HBr and guaifenesin
MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Each dose contains a pain reliever, fever reducer, cough suppressant, expectorant and nasal decongestant to soothe your symptoms so you can take on the day
NON-DROWSY: Amazon Basic Care Daytime Severe Honey Flavor Cold and Flu Relief is non-drowsy; take every four hours for daytime relief of severe symptoms
MAXIMUM STRENGTH: This medicine for severe symptoms provides maximum strength relief of headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches and pains, chest congestion, nasal and sinus congestion, sinus pressure and cough; also thins and loosens mucus
HONEY FLAVORED: Get maximum strength, multi-symptom relief with this soothing honey flavored liquid cold, flu and cough medicine; dosage cup included; gluten free; for ages 6 and older

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Main Highlights

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Compare to the active ingredients of Vicks DayQuil Severe Honey Flavor Cold and Flu: acetaminophen, phenylephrine HCl, dextromethorphan HBr and guaifenesin
MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Each dose contains a pain reliever, fever reducer, cough suppressant, expectorant and nasal decongestant to soothe your symptoms so you can take on the day
NON-DROWSY: Amazon Basic Care Daytime Severe Honey Flavor Cold and Flu Relief is non-drowsy; take every four hours for daytime relief of severe symptoms
MAXIMUM STRENGTH: This medicine for severe symptoms provides maximum strength relief of headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches and pains, chest congestion, nasal and sinus congestion, sinus pressure and cough; also thins and loosens mucus
HONEY FLAVORED: Get maximum strength, multi-symptom relief with this soothing honey flavored liquid cold, flu and cough medicine; dosage cup included; gluten free; for ages 6 and older

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