When you have a sore throat, what kinds of medicine can you get in Korea? Let’s focus on over-the-counter medications. I will write down the brand name as well, but the brand stocked at the pharmacy you visit may be different.
Type of sore throat medicine
There are disinfectants that are applied directly to the throat, and anti-inflammatory drugs that are taken orally to relieve pain.
Disinfectant
The direct spray disinfectant is in the form of a spray, and is intended to be used three times a day, and contains ingredients such as povidone iodine or cetylpyridinium.
- Porividone Throat Spray(포리비돈인후스프레이) – povidone iodine
- Mok-N Spray(목앤스프레이) – Cetylpyridinium and soluble azulene
Painkiller (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, flubiprofen and ibuprofen are used.
Candy-type preparations(called troche) tend to have a more immediate effect on sore throat. (Do not swallow!)
- Strepsils Honey&lemon Troche(스트렙실) – flurbiprofen
Tablet or liquid form may also be applied.
- Advil(애드빌) – ibuprofen
- Burufen(부루펜) – ibuprofen
- how to get ibuprofen korea
Where to buy Sore throat medicine in Korea
The drugs mentioned above are available without a prescription at pharmacies.
How should I say it?
Mentioning the brand and ingredient names is a good way to find the drug you are looking for. However, it can be difficult because there are so many different types.
What you need to tell your pharmacist more clearly is that you have a sore throat. And what dosage form you want. I’ll show you an example sentence below.
I have a sore throat. Are there any spray medications?
- 인후 통증이 있습니다. 뿌리는 약이 있을까요?
I have a sore throat. Are there any troches medications?
- 인후 통증이 있습니다. 사탕형(트로키제) 약이 있을까요?
If you are allergic to NSAIDs, you should notify them in advance and rule them out.
Please recommend a sore throat medicine. I am allergic to NSAIDs.
- 인후염 약을 추천해주세요. 단, 저는 NSAID 알러지가 있습니다.
Medicines that can be applied to the throat are introduced in the Korean language post below. (explained more detail.)
약국 후두염 약
How to get paracetamol in Korea
Over the counter Cold medicine in Korea