Not long after I moved to Spain, I woke up one night with a sudden stomach ache. I looked for some medicine, only to find my medicine cabinet was completely empty and all the pharmacies were closed. The feeling of helplessness was terrible. Later, I chatted with a neighbor and did some research myself. I’ve compiled a list of everyday medical supplies and tips for buying them in Spain, and I’m sharing it with you all. I hope it helps.
In Spain, the main place to buy medicine is the pharmacy, or ‘farmacia’—you’ll recognize them by the green cross sign out front. Most common medicines can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. However, be aware that many pharmacies are closed on Sundays and public holidays. But don’t worry, each area has a duty pharmacy (‘farmacia de guardia’) that stays open. You can search online for their specific addresses and hours.
Recommended Home First-Aid Kit
If you’re new here, you can start by stocking up on some basics and then gradually add more based on your and your family’s needs.
Basic Medicine Categories
Pain and Fever Relief: These are the most commonly used. For example, Ibuprofeno and Paracetamol are very effective for headaches, toothaches, and fevers. There is a wide variety of [medical supplies in Spain] and most pharmacies have their own generic brands, which are more affordable.
Stomach Discomfort: Products like Almax or Gaviscon are for excess stomach acid and heartburn, providing direct relief. If you’re dealing with diarrhea, it’s a good idea to have some Fortasec on hand. These over-the-counter solutions are part of a larger healthcare system, and you might be interested in learning more about [healthcare investment in Spain].
Allergy Issues: Pollen can be quite intense in the Spanish spring, causing allergies for many people. Antihistamines like Cetirizina or Loratadina are essential to have. You can also buy corresponding eye drops and nasal sprays for itchy eyes or a stuffy nose.
Minor Injuries and Disinfection: If you have children or are active in sports, disinfectant supplies are a must. For example, Cristalmina (an antiseptic), alcohol, band-aids, and bandages. For muscle soreness, you can try topical creams like Reflex or Fisiocrem.
Below is a table I’ve put together with some common medicines and their corresponding Spanish terms. You can just show this to the pharmacist, which is very convenient.
| Symptom / Use Case | Recommended Medicine | Spanish Reference |
|---|
| Headache / Fever | Paracetamol / Ibuprofeno | Dolor de cabeza / Fiebre |
| Stomach Acid / Heartburn | Almax / Gaviscon | Acidez / Ardor de estómago |
| Allergies / Hay Fever | Cetirizina / Loratadina | Alergia / Polen |
| Cough / Sore Throat | Jarabe para la tos / Pastillas para la garganta | Tos / Dolor de garganta |
| Muscle Soreness | Fisiocrem / Reflex | Dolor muscular |
A final reminder, although these are over-the-counter drugs, it’s best to read the instructions carefully before use or consult the pharmacist directly. They are very professional and will give you appropriate advice. If you have any other useful recommendations, whether for medicine or even for things like finding [medical uniforms in Spain], feel free to share them in the comments below!
