Throat lozenges provide quick and temporary relief by stimulating your salivary glands to produce a demulcent that will be responsible for lubricating, coating, and soothing your irritated throat. We all know that having a sore and itchy throat can bring you discomfort like nothing else.
The scratchy sensation and painful swallowing that it comes with is something that we all want to alleviate in an instant. In this article, we have a buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, and we prepared some recommendations for you too!
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
It is the ingredients that will determine the throat lozenges' efficacy. In order to get one that will effectively combat your sore throat woes and discomfort, it is important to inspect their label and identify which active ingredients they contain.
Different cooling agents like menthol and eucalyptus are often found in throat lozenges. These ingredients naturally come with a cooling effect that helps counter the usual burning sensation on your pharynx when you have a sore throat.
They also have the ability to gently numb the irritated tissues on your throat, providing you temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
Viruses cause most cases of throat infections. Hence, it is best to go for throat lozenges that can fight off these viruses. Look for ones with compounds that have antiseptic properties like amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, and hexylresorcinol.
These compounds are common ingredients in throat lozenges as they have the power to combat bacteria and viruses that are associated with throat infections. They can also provide fast and effective relief from sore throat symptoms.
Although most throat lozenges come in mint flavors, there are also ones that come with added flavoring agents to make them more palatable. They come in a wide range of flavors like honey, orange, strawberry, and lemon. These variants are perfect for those who do not like the "too minty" or "too herbal" taste of regular ones.
When opting for flavored variants, it is also ideal to look for sugar-free ones that contain alternative sweeteners. These are the best pick if you're also observing your sugar intake or you have a health concern that requires minimal sugar intake.
It is also equally important to read the throat lozenge's label and check its usage instructions according to who will take them, whether it's an adult or a child. Most throat lozenges will instruct you on the correct dosage and frequency to consume them.
Most are also recommended to be consumed and dissolved in the mouth only once every 2-3 hours. For children, it is also advisable to supervise them when taking these as these can be choking hazards because of their size.
From ₱70.5
This medicated lozenge is a household name that is often found in the medicine cabinet of many Filipinos for its well-known fast-acting efficacy. It is a go-to lozenge for several people when they start to feel symptoms of sore throat kicking in.
If your sore throat type is painful and itchy, this particular variant of Strepsils might work the best for you. It is specifically formulated with two antiseptic compounds to combat the bacteria that may be causing the itchy and burning sensation in your throat.
Although it comes in a palatable lemon flavor, it is free of sugar additives. Hence, you wouldn't have to worry about consuming unnecessary sugar content while sucking on these lozenges. On top of that, it also comes in a pack of 6 lozenges that can go a long way.
From ₱42.5
Woods' is another excellent choice to opt for when you're starting to feel sore throat symptoms. It is composed of natural ingredients, including peppermint oil and menthol, that both have the power to calm your irritated throat by gently numbing it.
On top of that, it also comes with anise essential that helps relieve congestion and dextromethorphan that acts as a cough suppressant. Because of its menthol, it also leaves your mouth a fresh sensation after consumption.
This particular pack comes with six orange-flavored lozenges. It is also available to buy in six other flavors, including blackcurrant, honey lemon, cherry, and sugar-free variants, perfect for those who are watching their sugar intake.
From ₱291.5
Unlike some sore throat remedies that focus on a specific type of relief, this pack of raspberry-flavored throat lozenges provides dual action that eliminates pain and combats the buildup of bacteria that may cause throat irritation.
It is formulated with benzydamine that possesses local anesthetic properties, which temporarily numb your throat to reduce pain and soreness. It also helps relieve inflammation and swelling brought about by tonsilitis, mucositis, and periodontal procedures.
On top of that, it also has an antibacterial agent called cetylpyridinium Cl, which helps fight off bacteria's growth in your throat and mouth to prevent them from causing various painful mouth conditions.
From ₱48
Fisherman's Friend is another renowned brand of throat lozenges that you can count on for guaranteed prompt relief. It does a great job of temporarily soothing irritated throats and clearing nasal passages that usually make you uncomfy when you have a sore throat.
This particular pack comes in a strong mint flavor that is free of sugar and artificial ingredients. Because of its strong menthol content, a single tablet goes a long way in providing you a cooling and soothing sensation.
However, it might not be the best pick for you if you can't stand "too minty" lozenges, as this one possesses a strong scent and flavor of mint. Nonetheless, it is a good pick if you want to combat persistent itch or tickle in your throat.
From ₱120
This throat lozenge from Bactidol is your new friend if you need a non-mint remedy for your sore throat. It offers symptomatic treatment that only comes in orange and honey lemon flavor to provide you with flavorful relief and extra soothing effect to ease throat discomfort.
It is formulated with a combination of 1.2 mg dichlorobenzyl alcohol and 600mcg amylmetacresol that also aid in relieving acute inflammation of the throat and other symptoms like painful swallowing and hoarseness of voice. The maximum dose of this should not exceed eight lozenges per day to avoid adverse effects.
From ₱20
If you're one of the many people who prefer non-menthol lozenges, this one is for you. Unlike most throat lozenges that come in familiar citrus flavors, this one comes in melon flavor, making it perfect for those who like their sore throat remedy sweet.
Aside from its unique flavor, it also contains a blend of benzydamine and cetylpyridinium hydrochloride, compounds that are known to have pain-relieving properties that help eliminate the usual pain and discomfort associated with sore throats.
From ₱56
Aside from coating and soothing bronchial irritation, these throat lozenges contain dequalinium chloride as an active ingredient that effectively combats a wide range of bacteria, thanks to its antiseptic properties that allow it to perform antibacterial and antifungal actions.
This compound present in each lozenge of Dequadin does not only combat bacteria but also yeasts and fungi. These are the usual causes of various mouth and throat infections that lead to sore throat, oral thrush, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.
From ₱99
If you have grandparents who are fans of all things herbal, chances are, you've already come across these herbal lozenges. They are usually given as "candies" that you can binge on to ease a mild sore throat and prevent voice hoarseness and cold symptoms.
It contains a blend of natural ingredients and herbal extracts like loquat juice and lotus root extract that effectively reduces coughs and relieves dry and itchy throat. It also has demulcent and expectorant agents that moist your throat and help loosen your mucus, respectively.
From ₱79
Vicks is a go-to brand for providing home remedies to basically anything, and your sore throat is not an exception. These throat drops from Vicks claim to provide rapid cooling and refreshing effect for your dry and irritated throat. Each lozenge is infused with levomenthol that gives it an icy cooling sensation.
It also has pain-numbing properties and the ability to relieve congestion. This throat lozenge is perfect if your sore throat makes your nasal passage stuffed and inflamed, as it can help you breathe more easily by easing the congested area.
From ₱89
These throat lozenges combine the flavors of lemon and mint that deliver a refreshing and cooling sensation when consumed. Although it comes in a palatable flavor, it is free of sugar content. Each lozenge is formulated with a blend of ten herbs that are naturally cultivated in the Swiss mountains.
On top of that, it also contains peppermint, thyme, and lemon balm that work hand-in-hand with its active menthol ingredient to provide your sore and irritated throat a soothing and calming effect. Some also use these lozenges to relieve colds and coughs.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Throat lozenges are deemed safe to take during pregnancy. However, it's best to avoid excessive consumption because it may cause unwanted side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and an upset stomach.
It can depend on their size. But typically, one throat lozenge can last for about 20 to 30 minutes before entirely dissolving. However, this is only the case if it's not chewed at all or swallowed whole.
Excessive consumption of anything can be bad. It's the same for throat lozenges. Thus, if you're unsure, it's always best to consult your doctor for the correct dosage you need to take. Also, make it a habit to refer to the lozenges' directions for use. Usually, you can only take a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours.
Having a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining great health. Besides exercising and eating a balanced diet, accompany it with helpful supplements and juices that will do wonders for your body and prevent you from getting sick. Take care of your health by adding these purchases to your list.
Author: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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