Over-the-counter medicines in Japan: a practical solution for travellers' little worries

Where can I find over-the-counter medicines in Japan?

In Japan, you can easily find over-the-counter medicines in two types of stores: pharmacies (yakkyoku 薬局) staffed by qualified pharmacists, and drugstores, a much more widespread type of parapharmacies. The best-known drugstores are Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Tsuruha Drug and Sundrug. You'll easily spot them thanks to their colorful storefronts, often located near railway stations or in shopping malls.

In addition to a wide selection of over-the-counter medicines, these stores offer a wide range of other products: cosmetics, shampoos, baby products, sweets, drinks and more. Some are open 24/7, such as Welcia or Matsumotokiyoshi. Don't hesitate to ask the local pharmacists for advice, even if they generally only speak Japanese. For more serious health problems, consult a doctor without delay.

The main pain and fever remedies

To relieve a headache, toothache, painful menstruation or lower a fever, several effective painkillers and antipyretics are available over the counter:

• Bufferin (バファリン): aspirin-based, in tablet form. Choose type A for standard use, Luna for menstrual pain and Premium for severe pain.
• Tylenol (タイレノール): paracetamol in tablet form.
• Eve (イブ): ibuprofen tablets. The Eve A version is suitable for colds and flu-like conditions.
• Ringl (リングル): also ibuprofen-based, but in capsule form.

Treating colds and flu

For cold and flu symptoms such as a blocked nose, cough or aches and pains, you'll find :

• Pabron (パブロン): a tablet medicine containing paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory. The "Ace Pro" type is for adults only.
• Lulu Attack (ルルアタックEX): tablets to relieve blocked noses and irritated throats, for over 15s.
• Kakkonto (葛根湯): a traditional medicine in various forms (tablet, granules, liquid) based on plants such as pueraria montana root.

Solutions for stomach aches and digestive disorders

For stomach aches, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea, drugstores offer a range of medicines:

• Gaster 10 (ガスター10): tablets for an upset stomach.
• Taisho Kanpo (大正漢方): a natural remedy based on licorice, fennel and oyster shells to soothe the stomach.
• Stoppa (ストッパ): an orodispersible tablet for acute diarrhea.
• Biofermin (ビオフェルミン): lactic bacteria-based tablets to rebalance intestinal flora. In case of gastroenteritis, consult a doctor.

Soothing insect bites and itching

Mosquito and other insect bites can quickly become irritating. Relieve them with these products:

• Muhi (ムヒ): a very popular ointment, to be applied locally to bites and irritations.
• Kayumidome (かゆみどめ): a soothing gel with a built-in applicator sponge for added convenience.
• Muhi Pacchi (ムヒパッチ): decorated patches to stick on bites, perfect for children aged 1 and over.

Fight motion sickness

Worried about seasickness on a boat trip or nausea in the car? Take precautions with :

• Aneron (アネロン): tablets that work for 24 hours.
• Travelmin (トラベルミン): in tablet form for adults and candy form for children (Travelmin junior).

Vocabulary and key phrases for buying medicines

Here are some useful words and phrases to make yourself understood in the pharmacy, even if you don't speak Japanese:

• medicine: kusuri (薬)
• cold/flu: kaze (風邪)
• headache: zutsu (頭痛) or atama ga itai (I have a headache)
• stomach ache: fukutsu (腹痛) or onaka ga itai (I have a stomach ache)
• diarrhea: geri (下痢)
• fever: netsu (熱)
• Do you have ... ? : ... wa arimasuka? (.... はありますか)
• Would you have a medicine against...? :... no kusuri wa arimasuka?

Don't hesitate to visit a drugstore to find the medicine you need, following the dosage instructions on the packaging. And if symptoms persist, don't wait to consult a doctor. These simple steps will enable you to enjoy your stay in Japan with complete peace of mind. Have a great vacation!