An ingestible particulate composition including at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol, cetylpyridinium chloride, hexitidine, hexylresorcinol, flurbiprofen, lidocaine, benzocaine, ibuprofen, paracetamol, pectin, menthol, and benzydamine and one or more bioadhesive materials. Resulting particulate compositions have excellent flow characteristics, dust suppression, organoleptic properties and stability. They are highly suitable for administration direction into a patient's mouth, and ingested to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.