Having just moved to Spain, I recently caught a cold and had a fever. It was quite embarrassing having to awkwardly gesture at the pharmacy because I didn’t know the Spanish word for thermometer. I figured other newcomers might face similar issues, so I’ve decided to compile a list of common medical devices and supplies you can find in pharmacies here, just in case you need them.
Basic Home Medical Supplies
These are items every household should probably have, especially if you have elderly family members or children. In my experience, you can easily buy them at any Farmacia with a green cross sign out front.
- Thermometers: Most are digital now. There are models for underarm or oral use, as well as infrared thermometers that you just point at the forehead or ear for a quick reading. Prices range from a few euros to several dozen, depending on your needs.
- Blood pressure monitors: Very practical if you have seniors at home. The electronic upper-arm models are generally easy to use for self-monitoring. You can ask the pharmacist to show you how it works when you buy one.
- Adhesive bandages: A must-have for everything from kitchen cuts to scrapes from new shoes. Spain has a wide variety, including waterproof and cartoon-themed ones, as well as bandages designed for specific areas like knuckles.
- Gauze and bandages: Used for dressing larger wounds, typically along with a disinfectant.
Disinfection and Care
Keeping a wound clean is crucial to prevent infection. Spanish pharmacies have a comprehensive range of disinfection products. In fact, Spanish medical devices and related products often use gentler, less irritating ingredients.
- Disinfectant sprays/solutions: The most common type contains chlorhexidine, like the brand Cristalmina. It doesn’t sting much when applied to a wound, making it much milder than alcohol. You can just ask for ‘un antiséptico para heridas.’
- Saline solution: Incredibly versatile! It can be used not only for cleaning wounds but also for rinsing eyes and nasal passages. It usually comes in small, single-use sterile vials, which are very hygienic.
- Burn cream: A must-have for kitchen novices! If you get splattered with hot oil or burned by the oven, applying it immediately can relieve pain and prevent blistering. It’s a good idea to keep a tube on hand.
When it comes to purchasing, you might be curious about brands and prices, or even regulatory aspects like AEMPS registration. Honestly, the effects of different brands are quite similar, so you can ask the pharmacist for a recommendation. I’ve put together a simple table below with English-Spanish translations for common items to help you at the pharmacy.
| English Name | Spanish | General Use |
|---|
| Digital thermometer | Termómetro digital | Measuring body temperature |
| Blood pressure monitor | Tensiómetro | Measuring blood pressure |
| Adhesive bandage | Tiritas | Protecting minor wounds |
| Disinfectant spray | Antiséptico en spray | Disinfecting wounds |
| Saline solution | Suero fisiológico | Cleaning wounds, eyes |
| Ice pack | Bolsa de hielo/frío | Cold compress, reducing swelling |
The advice above is my personal summary, and it’s mainly for minor issues that don’t require a doctor’s visit. For more complex topics like MDR certification, the requirements are obviously different. However, for your health, if you have an emergency or a more serious condition, don’t put it off—go to the emergency room (urgencias) at a public hospital or book an appointment with your family doctor (médico de cabecera). Hope this post helps! Experienced folks are welcome to add more tips in the comments below!
