That painful, scratchy feeling in your throat can make swallowing, talking, and even breathing uncomfortable. For many years, Tyrozets lozenges were a go-to remedy for sore throat relief in the UK. However, with these once-popular lozenges no longer available, many people are left wondering what alternatives can provide similar relief.
Tyrozets are no longer available in the UK following a regulatory review by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2018 and were discontinued in 2020.
These dual-action lozenges contained two active ingredients: tyrothricin (an antibiotic) that kills bacteria in the mouth and throat and benzocaine (a local anaesthetic), relieving symptoms of soreness. The MHRA raised concerns about the antibiotic component, specifically that:
The manufacturer ultimately decided to withdraw the product from the UK market rather than reformulate it, as most sore throats are caused by self-limiting viral infections and don’t need antibiotic treatment. This left many loyal Tyrozets users searching for effective alternatives that could provide similar numbing and soothing effects for their sore throats.
Finding quick relief for throat pain means choosing the right product for your symptoms. These are the most effective alternatives available over-the-counter from pharmacies in the UK:
Halls make a range of lozenges that help with sore throats without the need for antibiotics. You can choose between the strong menthol kick of Halls Mentholyptus Extra Strong or the milder Halls Soothers in flavours like Peach and Raspberry.
Like Strepsils, these antiseptic lozenges slowly release ingredients as you suck them, coating your throat and easing the pain. The cooling feeling helps numb the soreness and encourages your mouth to produce more saliva, keeping your throat from getting too dry. These are suitable for adults and children over 6.
Beechams makes medicines that treat sore throats and other cold and flu symptoms. Their most popular options are Beechams Powder, Beechams All-in-One Medicine, and All-in-One Tablets.
The powders mix with hot water to create a soothing lemon drink that helps ease throat pain while the heat provides extra comfort. The All-in-One tablets offer a convenient alternative when you’re on the go.
Both products contain paracetamol to reduce pain and phenylephrine to clear nasal congestion, making them useful when you have other symptoms like headaches, fever or stuffiness.
Difflam Sore Throat Spray contains benzydamine hydrochloride, a local anti-inflammatory and mild anaesthetic that directly tackles pain and swelling.
Unlike lozenges or tablets, this spray reaches difficult-to-treat areas at the back of the throat. The spray action delivers medication precisely where it’s needed, which is useful for severe sore throats or tonsillitis.
Many users find spraying more convenient than gargling with solutions, particularly when swallowing is painful. The cooling sensation provides immediate comfort, while the anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the underlying swelling causing the discomfort.
Buttercup Syrup is an old-fashioned remedy that’s still popular for relieving sore throats and coughs. The thick, sweet liquid coats the throat as you swallow it, which creates a protective barrier over irritated tissues.
The traditional formula is non-drowsy and contains ingredients like honey and glycerol, which soothe throat discomfort and reduce irritation from constant coughing. This can last for several hours after taking a dose, especially when taken before bedtime, to prevent nighttime coughing fits.
Day and Night Nurse medicines help manage sore throats, along with other symptoms of a cold or flu, around the clock. The Day Nurse keeps you alert while fighting symptoms, while Night Nurse includes ingredients to help you sleep.
Both contain paracetamol for pain relief and dextromethorphan to suppress dry coughs that can further irritate your throat. The Night Nurse formula also includes promethazine, which causes drowsiness and helps you rest.
These medicines work well when your sore throat is part of a broader cold, treating multiple symptoms at once. The liquid capsules are easy to swallow even with throat pain, and the separate day/night formulations mean you won’t feel drowsy during the day.
Lemsip Sachets combine several ingredients to tackle sore throats alongside other signs of a cold or flu.
The powder dissolves in hot water to create a soothing lemon-flavoured drink, which helps relieve throat pain on contact. The paracetamol reduces inflammation and fever, and many Lemsip varieties also contain decongestants that clear blocked sinuses, which can contribute to throat irritation through post-nasal drip.
The hot drink format delivers multiple benefits – the steam helps open airways, the warmth offers direct relief, and staying hydrated helps thin mucus that might be irritating your throat.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and will clear up on their own within a week. Antibiotics don’t work against viral infections and shouldn’t be used unnecessarily.
However, some signs suggest a bacterial infection that might need antibiotics:
If you have several of these symptoms, you might have strep throat or another bacterial infection, so contact your GP for an appointment.
Finding relief for your sore throat doesn’t need to be a hassle. At Click2Pharmacy, our pharmacy team offers a wide range of effective Tyrozets alternatives that can be delivered directly to your door.
Our online pharmacy stocks all the recommended sore throat remedies mentioned in this guide, so you can choose the product that best suits your needs and place your order in just a few clicks.
Don’t let a sore throat impact your day-to-day life. Visit Click2Pharmacy today to explore our range of treatments and get fast relief delivered straight to your home.
