Throat soothers are a type of medication used to treat sore throats and other throat-related issues. Troches, LOZENGES, gargles, and coughdrops are all examples of throat soothers. Troches are small, medicated LOZENGES that dissolve in the mouth. LOZENGES are also medicated, but they are larger than troches and are meant to be sucked on. Gargles are liquid medications that are swished around in the mouth and then spat out. Coughdrops are medicated LOZENGES that are meant to be sucked on and are often flavored. All of these throat soothers can help to reduce throat pain and irritation.