# Where do I get this medicine here?

> Its local name, the price, and whether you need a prescription.

URL: https://allproblemssolved.aplusz.app/en/same-medicine-any-country/  
Language: English (en)

## The problem

The same molecule has a different name, price and legal status in every country. Someone who travels, moves, or runs out abroad meets a pharmacist who does not know their brand and a law that may not allow it.

Who it hits: Travellers, expats, migrants, patients on long-term medication.

### The shapes it takes

- Same medicine, local brand name
- Prescription required or over the counter
- Not sold here — the nearest equivalent
- Controlled or banned in this country
- Price and generic availability
- Carrying medicine across a border

### What this page gives you

The local name, where to get it, whether a prescription is needed, and what it costs.

## Which medicine, and where are you?

This helps you find a medicine — it isn't medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking anything new.

## Medicines and their names around the world

- **Paracetamol (acetaminophen)** — Pain and fever. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Tylenol; CA: Tylenol; GB: Panadol, Calpol (children); FR: Doliprane, Efferalgan, Dafalgan; DE: ben-u-ron; ES: Gelocatil; IT: Tachipirina; AU: Panadol; NZ: Panadol; PH: Biogesic, Tempra (children); JP: Tylenol A; TH: Tylenol, Sara; SG: Panadol; MY: Panadol; IN: Crocin, Dolo; MX: Tempra, Tylenol; BR: Tylenol.
- **Ibuprofen** — Pain, fever and inflammation. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Advil, Motrin; CA: Advil, Motrin; GB: Nurofen; FR: Nurofen, Advil; DE: Nurofen, Dolormin; ES: Espidifen, Dalsy (children); IT: Moment, Brufen; AU: Nurofen, Advil; PH: Advil, Medicol; JP: EVE; TH: Brufen; IN: Brufen; SG: Nurofen.
- **Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)** — Pain and fever; low doses to protect the heart. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin; GB: Disprin; FR: Aspégic, Kardégic (low dose); DE: Aspirin; PH: Aspilets (low dose).
- **Naproxen** — Pain and inflammation. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. US: Usually sold without a prescription. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Aleve; GB: Feminax Ultra; FR: Apranax; AU: Naprogesic; PH: Flanax.
- **Diclofenac gel** — Muscle and joint pain (on the skin). Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Voltaren gel; GB: Voltarol; FR: Voltarène; DE: Voltaren; AU: Voltaren; PH: Voltaren.
- **Cetirizine** — Allergies and hay fever. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Zyrtec; GB: Zirtek; FR: Zyrtecset, Virlix; DE: Zyrtec; AU: Zyrtec; PH: Virlix, Zyrtec; IN: Cetzine.
- **Loratadine** — Allergies and hay fever. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Claritin; GB: Clarityn; FR: Clarityne; DE: Lorano; AU: Claratyne; PH: Claritin.
- **Fexofenadine** — Allergies and hay fever. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. US: Usually sold without a prescription. JP: Usually sold without a prescription. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Allegra; AU: Telfast; JP: Allegra FX.
- **Diphenhydramine** — Allergies; sleep aid. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Benadryl; GB: Nytol.
- **Loperamide** — Diarrhoea. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Imodium; GB: Imodium; FR: Imodium; DE: Imodium; AU: Imodium; PH: Diatabs, Imodium.
- **Oral rehydration salts** — Replacing fluids after diarrhoea or vomiting. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Pedialyte; GB: Dioralyte; PH: Hydrite.
- **Bismuth subsalicylate** — Upset stomach and diarrhoea. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Pepto-Bismol; CA: Pepto-Bismol.
- **Antacids and alginates** — Heartburn and indigestion. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Tums, Gaviscon; GB: Gaviscon; FR: Gaviscon; AU: Gaviscon; PH: Gaviscon.
- **Omeprazole** — Heartburn and stomach acid. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. US: Usually sold without a prescription. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Prilosec OTC; GB: Losec; FR: Mopral; DE: Antra; AU: Losec.
- **Esomeprazole** — Heartburn and stomach acid. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. US: Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Nexium 24HR; GB: Nexium; FR: Inexium; AU: Nexium; PH: Nexium.
- **Famotidine** — Heartburn and stomach acid. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Pepcid; JP: Gaster.
- **Hyoscine butylbromide** — Stomach cramps. Usually sold without a prescription. US: Not sold here — ask a pharmacist or doctor about an alternative. Brands — GB: Buscopan; DE: Buscopan; AU: Buscopan; PH: Buscopan.
- **Dimenhydrinate** — Motion sickness. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Dramamine; CA: Gravol; FR: Mercalm.
- **Meclizine (meclozine)** — Motion sickness. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Bonine; PH: Bonamine.
- **Pseudoephedrine** — Blocked nose (decongestant). Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. US: Kept behind the pharmacy counter — ask for it, and bring ID. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Sudafed (behind the counter); GB: Sudafed Decongestant.
- **Guaifenesin** — Chesty cough. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Mucinex, Robitussin; GB: Robitussin Chesty Cough.
- **Clotrimazole** — Fungal skin and yeast infections. Usually sold without a prescription. Brands — US: Lotrimin; GB: Canesten; DE: Canesten; AU: Canesten; PH: Canesten.
- **Fluconazole** — Yeast infections. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Diflucan; GB: Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule; FR: Triflucan; AU: Diflucan.
- **Levonorgestrel (emergency contraception)** — Preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. US: Usually sold without a prescription. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. FR: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. DE: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. PH: Not sold here — ask a pharmacist or doctor about an alternative. Brands — US: Plan B One-Step; GB: Levonelle; FR: Norlevo; DE: PiDaNa; AU: Postinor.
- **Ulipristal acetate (emergency contraception)** — Preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. EU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: ella (prescription); GB: ellaOne; FR: ellaOne; DE: ellaOne.
- **Sildenafil** — Erectile dysfunction. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. GB: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — US: Viagra; GB: Viagra Connect (pharmacy); FR: Viagra.
- **Tadalafil** — Erectile dysfunction. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Cialis; GB: Cialis; FR: Cialis.
- **Amoxicillin** — Bacterial infections (antibiotic). Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Amoxil; GB: Amoxil; FR: Clamoxyl; AU: Amoxil, Alphamox; PH: Amoxil.
- **Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid** — Bacterial infections (antibiotic). Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Augmentin; GB: Augmentin; FR: Augmentin; PH: Augmentin.
- **Azithromycin** — Bacterial infections (antibiotic). Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Zithromax, Z-Pak; GB: Zithromax; FR: Zithromax; PH: Zithromax.
- **Ciprofloxacin** — Bacterial infections (antibiotic). Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Cipro; GB: Ciproxin; FR: Ciflox; AU: Ciproxin.
- **Doxycycline** — Bacterial infections; malaria prevention. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Vibramycin; GB: Vibramycin.
- **Oseltamivir** — Flu. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Tamiflu; GB: Tamiflu; FR: Tamiflu; JP: Tamiflu.
- **Metformin** — Type 2 diabetes. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Glucophage; GB: Glucophage; FR: Glucophage; PH: Glucophage.
- **Amlodipine** — High blood pressure. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Norvasc; GB: Istin; FR: Amlor; PH: Norvasc.
- **Atorvastatin** — High cholesterol. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Lipitor; GB: Lipitor; FR: Tahor; DE: Sortis; PH: Lipitor.
- **Simvastatin** — High cholesterol. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Zocor; GB: Zocor; FR: Zocor.
- **Levothyroxine** — Underactive thyroid. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Synthroid; GB: Eltroxin; FR: Levothyrox; DE: Euthyrox; PH: Eltroxin.
- **Salbutamol (albuterol)** — Asthma relief inhaler. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Ventolin HFA; GB: Ventolin; FR: Ventoline; AU: Ventolin; PH: Ventolin.
- **Montelukast** — Asthma and allergies. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Singulair; GB: Singulair; FR: Singulair.
- **Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector** — Severe allergic reactions. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: EpiPen; GB: EpiPen, Jext; FR: Epipen, Jext; AU: EpiPen.
- **Sertraline** — Depression and anxiety. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Zoloft; GB: Lustral; FR: Zoloft.
- **Fluoxetine** — Depression. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Prozac; GB: Prozac; FR: Prozac.
- **Clopidogrel** — Preventing blood clots. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Plavix; GB: Plavix; FR: Plavix.
- **Apixaban** — Preventing blood clots. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Eliquis; GB: Eliquis; FR: Eliquis.
- **Warfarin** — Preventing blood clots. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here.
- **Metoclopramide** — Nausea and vomiting. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Reglan; FR: Primpéran; AU: Maxolon.
- **Ondansetron** — Nausea and vomiting. Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. Brands — US: Zofran; GB: Zofran; FR: Zophren.
- **Melatonin** — Sleep problems and jet lag. Usually sold without a prescription. GB: Needs a prescription in many countries — ask the pharmacist whether you need one here. AU: Sold in pharmacies — ask the pharmacist, who may ask a few questions first. Brands — GB: Circadin (prescription).
- **Tramadol** — Moderate to severe pain. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in. Brands — US: Ultram; GB: Zydol; FR: Topalgic, Contramal.
- **Codeine** — Pain and cough. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in.
- **Zolpidem** — Sleep problems. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in. Brands — US: Ambien; FR: Stilnox; AU: Stilnox.
- **Alprazolam** — Anxiety. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in. Brands — US: Xanax; FR: Xanax; AU: Xanax.
- **Amphetamine (e.g. Adderall)** — ADHD. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in. JP: Not sold here — ask a pharmacist or doctor about an alternative. Brands — US: Adderall.
- **Methylphenidate** — ADHD. A controlled medicine: a prescription is needed, and some countries ban it or require a permit to bring it in. Brands — US: Ritalin, Concerta; GB: Ritalin, Concerta XL; FR: Ritaline, Concerta LP.

### Same name, different medicine

- In the US, Benadryl is diphenhydramine; in the UK, Benadryl products contain cetirizine or acrivastine.
- Sudafed products differ: some contain pseudoephedrine, others (like Sudafed PE in the US) contain phenylephrine.
- Ranitidine (the original Zantac) was withdrawn worldwide in 2020; Zantac 360 in the US contains famotidine.
- Diclofenac gel is usually sold without a prescription; diclofenac tablets need one in most countries.

### Where to buy

- FR: Pharmacies (the green cross) sell almost all medicines — even most non-prescription ones are only sold there. At night, call 3237 for the pharmacy on duty.
- DE: Medicines are sold in pharmacies (Apotheke); the night-duty pharmacy is posted on every pharmacy door.
- GB: Pharmacies (chemists) sell pharmacy-only medicines after a short chat; supermarkets sell small packs of common ones.
- US: Pharmacy counters in drugstores and supermarkets fill prescriptions; non-prescription medicines are on the shelves.
- CA: Pharmacies in drugstores and supermarkets; some medicines are kept behind the counter for the pharmacist.
- AU: Chemists sell pharmacy medicines; "Pharmacist Only" medicines need a short chat.
- NZ: Pharmacies sell most medicines; some need a chat with the pharmacist.
- JP: Drugstores sell many medicines; some can only be sold by a pharmacist.
- PH: Drugstores (Mercury Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy and others) are everywhere. Antibiotics need a prescription, and prescriptions use generic names.
- TH: Pharmacies are everywhere with a pharmacist on duty — buy from proper pharmacies, not market stalls.
- SG: Pharmacies such as Guardian, Watsons and Unity; some medicines need the pharmacist.
- IT: The farmacia (green cross) sells all medicines; a parafarmacia sells non-prescription ones.
- ES: The farmacia (green cross) sells all medicines; supermarkets rarely do.
- NL: The apotheek fills prescriptions; drugstores (drogist) sell simple non-prescription medicines.
- AE: Pharmacies are common, but many medicines that are simple elsewhere are controlled here — carry your prescription.
- IN: Chemists are everywhere — ask for a bill and check the expiry date.
- MX: Farmacias are everywhere; antibiotics need a prescription, which the pharmacy keeps.
- BR: Farmácias are everywhere; antibiotics need a prescription, which the pharmacy keeps.

### Official medicine databases

- EU: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/national-registers-authorised-medicines
- US: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/
- GB: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
- FR: https://base-donnees-publique.medicaments.gouv.fr
- AU: https://www.tga.gov.au
- PH: https://www.fda.gov.ph
- JP: https://www.pmda.go.jp

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