Hello everyone, I just moved to Spain not long ago and unfortunately caught the seasonal flu last week. I truly experienced the helplessness of being sick in a foreign country. After running around to several stores and making a few mistakes, I finally sorted things out. I figured many newcomers like me might face similar problems, so I decided to write down my experience with [Spanish medical supplies] and what I’ve learned, hoping it can help you all.
Where to Buy Medicine in Spain?
First, you need to distinguish between two types of stores: Farmacia and Parafarmacia. Simply put:
- Farmacia: This is what we typically understand as a “pharmacy.” They have professional pharmacists and sell both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. They are usually identified by a green cross sign. This is the only place you can buy medications like ibuprofen or antibiotics. They also provide professional advice on medication use, reflecting [Spain’s healthcare spending].
- Parafarmacia: This can be thought of as a “drugstore” or “health and beauty store.” They mainly sell health supplements, baby products, skincare, and medical supplies like bandages. You
cannot buy actual medicine here, so don’t go to the wrong place! Large supermarkets often have a Parafarmacia section as well.
Home First-Aid Kit Checklist
As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just as we might keep common medicines at home in our home countries, it’s a good idea to do the same here. It’s much more convenient to handle minor ailments yourself. Here is a checklist I’ve put together based on a pharmacist’s advice and my own experience for your reference:
| Symptom Type | Recommended Spanish Name | Function |
|---|
| Fever & Pain Relief | Paracetamol / Ibuprofeno | Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, Spain’s go-to remedies for headaches, fevers, and general pain. |
| Allergies | Loratadina / Cetirizina | Antihistamines, effective for hay fever, hives, etc. |
| Stomach Discomfort | Almax / Omeprazol | Relieves excess stomach acid, heartburn / Acid reducer. |
| Diarrhea | Fortasec | Anti-diarrheal, but remember to stay hydrated. |
| Wound Care | Betadine / Cristalmina | Antiseptic solution, a household essential. |
Special Note: Although Ibuprofeno is an over-the-counter drug, many pharmacies now require a doctor’s prescription for higher doses. However, the 400mg version can usually be purchased directly. When buying medicine, you can show this table directly to the pharmacist, and they will get the corresponding medication for you.
What to Do If You Need to See a Doctor?
If your condition doesn’t improve after taking over-the-counter medication, or if it’s more serious, you need to see a doctor. If you have health insurance, make an appointment with your family doctor (médico de cabecera). For emergencies, you can go directly to the emergency department (urgencias) of a public hospital. After seeing the doctor, you can take the prescription to any Farmacia to get your medicine. (By the way, these pharmacies are also where you might find staff wearing specific [medical uniforms in Spain]). If you are covered by social security (seguridad social), you often only have to pay a small portion of the cost for prescription drugs. I hope everyone stays healthy and never needs this information, but just in case, it’s always good to be prepared!
