The costs

The sprays against sore throat are priced in the middle range among the drugs against sore throat. Dobendan® Direct Flurbiprofen spray and WICK® Sulagil throat spray are available with 15 milliliters each for 7 to 12€, depending on the pharmacy. Tantum Verde® sprays are with 30 milliliters in the same price range and therefore cheaper overall. Online pharmacies can be cheaper if necessary, but sometimes they are accompanied by shipping costs.

Are sprays for sore throats only available on prescription?

Sprays for sore throats are pharmacy-bound, especially sprays containing active ingredients such as lidocaine or benzydamine hydrochloride. However, these sprays for sore throats are not subject to prescription. This means that the sprays are available over the counter. Besides there are vegetable sprays against sore throat, which are available beside pharmacies in addition in drugstores and reform houses.

Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Sprays for sore throat containing the active substance lidocaine are not suitable for pregnancy and lactation. Lidocaine passes into breast milk in small quantities and can reach the infant during breastfeeding. Sprays containing lidocaine, such as WICK® Sulagil throat spray, should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation and should only be used if absolutely necessary by a doctor.

The spray of Dobendan® containing the active ingredient flurbiprofen is also harmful to pregnant and nursing women. The spray of Tantum verde® may in turn be used during pregnancy and lactation when used as directed. Nevertheless, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, only the medication recommended by your doctor should be taken. Home remedies such as gargling with salt water or chamomile tea can also soothe the pharyngeal mucosa and are harmless to the child.

Which sprays may be used on children?

When using sprays for sore throats, the package insert must check whether the corresponding throat spray is permitted for children and in what dosage it may be used. Throat sprays from WICK®, Tantum Verde®, Neo-Angin® and EMS® are suitable for adults as well as for children over 6 years of age. Tantum Verde® may be used after exact dosage for children under 6 years. In any case, it may be helpful to consult your pediatrician for a recommendation.