Iberogast in Spain: Uses, Liver Safety and Who Should Avoid It
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 5 November 2026
Iberogast is herbal drops sold without prescription in Spain for indigestion.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Iberogast is a herbal medicine sold in Spain without a prescription for indigestion (dyspepsia): pain or burning in the upper tummy, bloating, wind and feeling full. It comes as drops made from nine plants and is for ages 12 and up. Do not take it if you have or have had liver disease. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, an English-speaking GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280) who sees patients by video in English and Spanish.
- Iberogast is herbal oral drops made by Bayer. In Spain it is sold in pharmacies without a prescription.
- It is for adults and teenagers from 12, for gut problems such as indigestion.
- Liver damage, even liver failure, has been reported. Stop it and see a doctor if your skin or eyes turn yellow, or you have dark urine or pale poo.
- Do not take it if you have or have had liver disease, or with other medicines that can harm the liver.
- It contains alcohol. It is not advised in pregnancy, when breastfeeding or for people with alcohol problems.
- If you are not better in 7 days, or you get worse, see a doctor.
What is Iberogast used for?
The Spanish product information says Iberogast is a herbal medicine for gut problems such as indigestion. It eases stomach pain, bloating, wind, a feeling of fullness and heartburn.
It treats symptoms, not the cause. If the trouble comes from an ulcer, H. pylori or another problem, you need a diagnosis.
What is in Iberogast?
It mixes extracts of nine plants: bitter candytuft (Iberis amara), chamomile, angelica, caraway, greater celandine, liquorice, lemon balm, milk thistle and peppermint. The liquid is 31% alcohol.
What is Iberogast Elemental?
It is another version with six of those plants. It leaves out greater celandine, angelica and milk thistle. Its product information lists it for functional indigestion in adults aged 18 and over. It also contains alcohol. Ask the pharmacist which suits you.
In English: what is the equivalent?
Iberogast is a German brand sold under the same name in several countries, and how it is classed differs between them. Check the label of any product abroad, as the plants in it may differ. The usual indigestion medicines in the UK and the US are antacids, alginates and acid-reducing tablets. In Spain you can ask for Iberogast gotas.
Is Iberogast bad for the liver?
It can be, for some people. The Spanish product information lists cases of liver injury, with raised liver enzymes, jaundice and even liver failure. How often this happens is not known.
Stop it straight away and see a doctor if you notice:
- yellow skin or yellow whites of the eyes;
- dark urine or pale poo;
- pain in the upper tummy that is not your usual pain.
Who should not take Iberogast?
- Anyone who has or has had liver disease.
- Anyone taking other medicines that can affect the liver. If unsure, ask your pharmacist.
- Anyone allergic to one of the plants or another ingredient.
- Children under 12.
- People with alcohol problems, because of the alcohol it contains.
Can I take Iberogast when pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not advised. There is little data in pregnancy, and the product information says not to use it unless a doctor judges it right. When breastfeeding, a risk to the baby cannot be ruled out. The alcohol in it is another reason to avoid it.
What are the side effects?
Allergic reactions, with itching, rash or trouble breathing, are very rare. The most important risk is the liver damage above. If you have a reaction, stop it and get advice.
Does Iberogast help gastritis or acid reflux?
It eases the burning and discomfort of indigestion, but it does not heal gastritis or an ulcer, and it is not the usual treatment for reflux. For frequent heartburn, read about antacids such as Almax and about upper stomach pain.
Do I need a prescription, and how do I take it?
No prescription is needed in Spain. The dose and how to take it are in the leaflet; ask your pharmacist. If you are not better in 7 days, or you get worse, see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
- Symptoms last more than 7 days or keep coming back.
- You are over 55 and the indigestion is new.
- You lose weight for no reason, feel full after very little food or find it hard to swallow.
- You are being sick often.
- You take anti-inflammatory painkillers often.
When to call 112
- You vomit blood or something like coffee grounds.
- Your poo is black, sticky and smells very bad.
- Sudden, very strong pain in the tummy or chest.
- Swelling of the face or tongue, or trouble breathing after taking it.
Frequently asked questions about Iberogast
Do you need a prescription for Iberogast in Spain?
No. It is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. It is still a medicine and has important warnings.
Can children take Iberogast?
Not under 12. Iberogast Elemental is for adults aged 18 and over.
Does Iberogast contain alcohol?
Yes, the liquid contains alcohol. Bear this in mind if you drive, are pregnant, breastfeed, have epilepsy or alcohol problems.
What dose of Iberogast should I take?
The leaflet or your doctor sets the dose. Ask your pharmacist.
Can a doctor assess indigestion by video?
Yes. A doctor can review your symptoms and medicines, decide if you need a test, such as for H. pylori, and whether a treatment is safe.
Getting a medical assessment
If you are in Spain and keep getting stomach trouble, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about heartburn. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following sources.
