When I first moved to Spain, I was always curious about the pharmacies with the green cross sign, but a bit hesitant to just walk in. Unlike what I was used to, pharmacies here are more like community health hubs. Besides medications from Spanish pharmacies, they offer a wide range of specialized skincare and health supplements. After some trial and error, I’m sharing my list of the best things to buy in Spanish pharmacies as a guide for newcomers.
Home Pharmacy Essentials, Just in Case
When you’re new here, getting sick can be daunting, especially with a potential language barrier when seeing a doctor. Stocking some common medicines at home can be a real lifesaver. I usually keep the following on hand, which can handle most minor issues like headaches, fevers, and small cuts or scrapes.
Pain and Fever Reducers: These are an absolute must-have! The most common are Ibuprofeno (Ibuprofen) and Paracetamol. Ibuprofeno is more for anti-inflammatory pain relief, making it better for things like toothaches or joint pain. Paracetamol is gentler and mainly used for reducing fever and relieving general headaches. It’s a good idea to have both, but always check the dosage and use them as directed.
Allergy Medication: Pollen is everywhere in the Spanish spring, and many people suddenly develop hay fever after moving here. A friend of mine who never had allergies before developed them here. It’s wise to keep a box of antihistamines, like those containing Loratadina (Loratadine), which are available in most pharmacies.
Stomach Remedies: Whether you’re dining out or traveling, it’s not uncommon to experience stomach issues. Fortasec is a common anti-diarrheal medicine here and works very effectively. For simple indigestion, you can try Almax, a viscous liquid that neutralizes stomach acid and is great for stomach pain and heartburn.
Amazing Skincare and Haircare Finds
Spanish pharmacies are a real treasure trove for skincare. Many products are dermatologist-recommended, with safe ingredients, great results, and prices that are more attractive than department store brands. For example, MartiDerm’s ampoules are fantastic for antioxidants and brightening, with visible results. Brands like Isdin and Repavar offer professional-grade sunscreens, body lotions, and scar removal creams. Isdin’s sunscreen, in particular, has a light, non-greasy texture that I repurchase again and again. If you’re concerned about hair loss, which can be considered one of many Spanish medical products, you could try Pilexil’s shampoo and capsules, which are specifically designed to prevent hair loss and promote growth; many friends have found them effective.
Other Noteworthy Goodies
Beyond the [essential Spanish medicines] mentioned above, pharmacies also stock many other useful, specialized items. The table below lists a few little things I’ve found personally helpful, which you can buy as needed.
| Product Type | Spanish Name / Brand | Main Use |
|---|
| Artificial Tears | Systane / Hyabak | Relieves dry, tired eyes from long screen time |
| Mouthwash | Vitis / Lacer | Targets different gum issues, e.g., anti-sensitivity, cavity prevention |
| Burn Cream | Silvederma | A kitchen essential; apply after minor burns to prevent scarring |
| Mosquito Repellent | Goibi / Relec | Prevents insect bites during summer outdoor activities |
That’s all for my personal experience and recommendations; these are all products I’ve used and liked. Of course, everyone is different, so it’s always best to consult a pharmacist before using any medication—they are always very patient and helpful. Feel free to add your own favorite Spanish pharmacy finds in the comments below and share your recommendations!
