Can you take ibuprofen for a sore throat?

“I’ve had a sore throat for a couple days and it’s been pretty painful. Is ibuprofen for sore throat actually helpful?”

Dr. Flávio Sakae
ENT Specialist CRM 100700-SP

Ibuprofen for sore throat may be recommended to help relieve symptoms like throat pain and fever. It should be used according to guidance from a healthcare professional.

While ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and inflammation of a sore throat, it does not usually address the underlying cause, which is often an infection. This is particularly important if the infection is bacterial, since antibiotics are typically needed for treatment.

If you think your throat is inflamed, it’s best to see your primary care provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include medication in addition to ibuprofen.

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