Spanish Medicines Explained: A–Z Guide to Common Medicines in Spain
Handed a box of Nolotil, Enantyum or Eutirox and not sure what it is? Looking for the Spanish name of a medicine you take at home? This hub gathers every medicine explainer written by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a doctor licensed in Spain, plus a brand-name table and the basics of how prescriptions work for visitors and expats. For urgent, non-emergency problems you can book a video consultation; in an emergency call 112.
- 31 medicine guides
- Doctor licensed in Spain
- English & Spanish
All medicine guides, A to Z
Each guide explains what the medicine is, what it is used for in Spain, its UK/US equivalent, whether it needs a prescription and when to see a doctor.
31 guides
- Adiro in Spain: Low-Dose AspirinAdiro is low-dose aspirin, used in Spain to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Why you should not stop it, prescription rules and warning signs.Read the guide
- Algidol in Spain: What It Contains and Who Should Avoid ItAlgidol is a Spanish sachet combining paracetamol, codeine and vitamin C. What it is for, the main precautions and why it needs a prescription.Read the guide
- Amoxicillin in Spain (Amoxicilina): Uses and Prescription RulesAmoxicilina is amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic. What it treats, what it does not, and why you cannot buy it over the counter in Spain.Read the guide
- Arcoxia in Spain: Etoricoxib ExplainedArcoxia is etoricoxib, an anti-inflammatory common in Spain and not approved in the US. What it treats and who should not take it.Read the guide
- Atorvastatin in Spain (Atorvastatina): What to Know If You Take ItAtorvastatina is atorvastatin, known elsewhere as Lipitor. Prescription rules in Spain, renewing your supply and the side effects worth reporting.Read the guide
- Augmentine in Spain: The Spanish AugmentinAugmentine is amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, known elsewhere as Augmentin or co-amoxiclav. What it treats and why it needs a prescription in Spain.Read the guide
- Bilaxten in Spain: The Antihistamine BilastineBilaxten is bilastine, a non-drowsy antihistamine prescribed in Spain, sold in the UK as Ilaxten. How to take it and when to seek urgent care.Read the guide
- Bisoprolol in Spain (Emconcor): What to Know If You Take ItBisoprolol is sold in Spain as Emconcor and as a generic. Why it should not be stopped suddenly, how to renew it and when to seek urgent care.Read the guide
- Buscapina in Spain: The Spanish BuscopanBuscapina is hyoscine butylbromide, known elsewhere as Buscopan. What it is for, who should check first and which version needs a prescription.Read the guide
- Cetirizine in Spain (Cetirizina): Pharmacy or Prescription?Cetirizina is cetirizine, sold elsewhere as Zyrtec. Small packs are sold in Spanish pharmacies without a prescription. Uses, cautions and red flags.Read the guide
- Dacortin in Spain: Prednisone ExplainedDacortin is prednisone, an oral steroid; UK doctors usually prescribe prednisolone instead. What it treats, possible effects and who should check f…Read the guide
- Ebastel in Spain: The Antihistamine EbastineEbastel is ebastine, a non-drowsy antihistamine prescribed in Spain and not marketed in the UK or US. What it treats and when to seek urgent care.Read the guide
- Enalapril in Spain: What to Know If You Take ItEnalapril is an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure, sold under the same name in Spain. Renewing your supply, common effects and when to seek urgent c…Read the guide
- Enantyum in Spain: What It Is and Whether You Need a PrescriptionEnantyum is dexketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory painkiller widely prescribed in Spain. What it is for, key cautions and whether you need a prescrip…Read the guide
- Eutirox in Spain: Levothyroxine ExplainedEutirox is levothyroxine, known elsewhere as Synthroid or Euthyrox. How to take it, why brand switches need a check and what to do in pregnancy.Read the guide
- Fluimucil and Flumil in Spain: What Acetylcysteine DoesFluimucil and Flumil are acetylcysteine, a mucus thinner common in Spanish pharmacies. What it does, what it does not, and when a cough needs a doc…Read the guide
- Hidroferol in Spain: The Vitamin D CapsuleHidroferol is calcifediol, a prescription form of vitamin D used in Spain. What it is for and the dosing mistake that can raise calcium dangerously.Read the guide
- Ibuprofen in Spain: Pharmacy or Prescription?Ibuprofeno is ibuprofen, sold elsewhere as Nurofen or Advil. Which packs you can buy in a Spanish pharmacy, who should check first and when to see…Read the guide
- Lexxema Cream in Spain: What It IsLexxema is methylprednisolone aceponate, a steroid cream sold elsewhere as Advantan. What it treats, when it makes skin worse and when to see a doc…Read the guide
- Minoxidil in Spain: What You Can Buy and What Needs a PrescriptionMinoxidil for hair loss in Spain: the scalp product is sold in pharmacies, the tablets need a prescription. What to expect and when to see a doctor.Read the guide
- Monurol in Spain: The Fosfomycin UTI AntibioticMonurol is fosfomycin, an antibiotic for uncomplicated cystitis, sold in the UK as Monuril. Why it needs a prescription in Spain and when to see a…Read the guide
- Mupirocin in Spain (Bactroban): What It TreatsMupirocin is an antibiotic ointment sold in Spain as Bactroban. What it treats, what it does not, and why it needs a prescription.Read the guide
- Naproxen in Spain (Naproxeno): Uses and Prescription RulesNaproxeno is naproxen, the anti-inflammatory sold elsewhere as Naprosyn or Aleve. What it is for, key cautions and prescription rules in Spain.Read the guide
- Nolotil in Spain: What Visitors Should KnowNolotil is metamizole, a strong painkiller prescribed in Spain and not licensed in the UK or US. What it is for and the warning signs to act on.Read the guide
- Omeprazole in Spain: What It Is For and Long-Term UseOmeprazol is omeprazole, known elsewhere as Losec or Prilosec. What it treats, what to watch with long-term use and when symptoms need a doctor.Read the guide
- Paracetamol in Spain: The Same Medicine as AcetaminophenParacetamol is the same medicine as acetaminophen, known in the US as Tylenol. What it is for, its main risk and when to go to an emergency departm…Read the guide
- Robaxin in Spain: The Muscle Relaxant MethocarbamolRobaxin is methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant prescribed in Spain for painful muscle spasm. Common effects, cautions and when back pain needs a doctor.Read the guide
- Sertraline in Spain (Sertralina): What to Know If You Take ItSertralina is sertraline, known elsewhere as Zoloft or Lustral. Prescription rules in Spain, renewing your supply and when to get help immediately.Read the guide
- Sumatriptan in Spain: What It TreatsSumatriptan treats a migraine that has already started; it is prescription-only in Spain. What it does, cautions and when to seek urgent care.Read the guide
- Ventolin (Salbutamol) in Spain: What It Is and When to Seek HelpVentolin is salbutamol (albuterol in the US), the blue reliever inhaler. Prescription rules in Spain, signs of poor asthma control and when to call…Read the guide
- Yurelax in Spain: Cyclobenzaprine ExplainedYurelax is cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant known in the US as Flexeril and not marketed in the UK. What it is for and who should check first.Read the guide
UK and US brand names and what they are called in Spain
The active ingredient is what matters: pharmacists in Spain work from it, not from a foreign brand name. EFG means a generic. Pack sizes and strengths differ, so always check the box.
| You know it as | Active ingredient | Names in Spain | In Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol | paracetamol (acetaminophen) | Gelocatil, Efferalgan, Termalgin, Apiretal (children), Paracetamol EFG | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Advil, Nurofen, Motrin | ibuprofen | Espidifen, Neobrufen, Dalsy (children), Ibuprofeno EFG | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Aspirin, Disprin, baby aspirin | acetylsalicylic acid | Aspirina (pain), Adiro (low-dose, heart) | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Aleve, Naprosyn | naproxen | Naprosyn, Antalgin, Naproxeno EFG | Prescription only |
| Voltaren, Cataflam | diclofenac | Voltaren (tablets), Voltadol (gel) | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Zyrtec, Reactine | cetirizine | Zyrtec, Alerlisin, Cetirizina EFG | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Claritin, Clarityn | loratadine | Clarityne, Loratadina EFG | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Benadryl (sleep / allergy) | diphenhydramine | Soñodor (sleep aid); for allergy Spain uses cetirizine or loratadine | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Prilosec, Losec | omeprazole | Omeprazol EFG, Losec | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Gaviscon, Tums, Rennie | antacids / alginate | Gaviscon, Almax, Rennie | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Imodium | loperamide | Fortasec, Imodium | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Dioralyte, Pedialyte | oral rehydration salts | Sueroral, Bioralsuero, Citorsal | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Buscopan | hyoscine butylbromide | Buscapina | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Mucinex (similar use), NAC | acetylcysteine | Fluimucil, Flumil | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Canesten, Lotrimin | clotrimazole | Canesten, Canespie, Clotrimazol | Pharmacy, no prescription needed |
| Hydrocortisone 1% cream | hydrocortisone | Calmiox (0.5%); stronger steroid creams by prescription | Low strengths without prescription; higher strengths need one |
| Plan B, Levonelle, ellaOne | levonorgestrel / ulipristal | NorLevo, Postinor, ellaOne | Pharmacy, no prescription needed (emergency contraception) |
| Amoxil | amoxicillin | Clamoxyl, Amoxicilina EFG | Prescription only |
| Augmentin | amoxicillin + clavulanic acid | Augmentine, Amoxicilina/Ácido clavulánico EFG | Prescription only |
| Monurol, Monuril | fosfomycin | Monurol | Prescription only |
| Bactroban | mupirocin | Bactroban, Mupirocina | Prescription only |
| Ventolin, ProAir (albuterol) | salbutamol | Ventolin, Salbutamol EFG | Prescription only |
| Synthroid, Levoxyl, Eltroxin | levothyroxine | Eutirox, Levothroid | Prescription only |
| Lipitor | atorvastatin | Cardyl, Atorvastatina EFG | Prescription only |
| Glucophage | metformin | Dianben, Metformina EFG | Prescription only |
| Norvasc | amlodipine | Norvas, Astudal, Amlodipino EFG | Prescription only |
| Zoloft, Lustral | sertraline | Besitran, Sertralina EFG | Prescription only |
| Imitrex, Imigran | sumatriptan | Imigran, Sumatriptán EFG | Prescription only |
| Robaxin | methocarbamol | Robaxin | Prescription only |
| No UK/US brand (Spain-specific) | metamizole | Nolotil | Prescription only |
| No UK/US brand (Spain-specific) | dexketoprofen | Enantyum | Prescription only |
How prescriptions and pharmacies work in Spain
Spanish pharmacies (farmacias, green cross) are staffed by pharmacists who can advise on over-the-counter medicines and dispense prescription medicines against a valid Spanish prescription. Every town has a duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) open at night and on Sundays; the rota is posted on each pharmacy door.
A prescription from the UK, the US or most other countries is not valid in Spain. If you run out of a regular medicine, a doctor licensed in Spain can review your treatment by video and, when clinically appropriate, issue a private electronic prescription that any Spanish pharmacy can dispense. Bring the box or a photo of it: the generic name on it is what the doctor and pharmacist need.
Some medicines that are over the counter at home are prescription-only in Spain, and vice versa. Antibiotics always need a prescription. Controlled medicines such as benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, opioids and stimulants cannot be prescribed through an online consultation; a specialist or in-person service is the right route for those.
A prescription is only ever issued after a genuine medical assessment and when it is clinically indicated. The consultation fee covers the assessment; the medicine itself is paid for at the pharmacy, at Spain's regulated prices, which are often lower than in the UK or the US.
Medicines in Spain: common questions
Can I buy my usual medicine in Spain without a prescription?
Only if it is an over-the-counter medicine in Spain. Common painkillers in standard strengths, antihistamines, antacids, anti-diarrhoeals, rehydration salts and some creams are sold freely. Antibiotics, blood-pressure, thyroid, diabetes, asthma, antidepressant and most anti-inflammatory tablets need a Spanish prescription, which an online doctor can issue after a video assessment when it is appropriate.
What is Nolotil and why have I never heard of it?
Nolotil is metamizole, a painkiller widely used in Spain and much of Europe but not licensed in the UK or the US. It is prescription-only in Spain. Because of a rare but serious blood side effect, the Spanish medicines agency advises against it for short-stay visitors whose blood count cannot be monitored, and a higher risk has been reported in people of British and Scandinavian origin. Read the Nolotil guide below, and tell any doctor in Spain where you are from.
How do I find the Spanish name of my medicine?
Look for the active ingredient on your box (for example 'levothyroxine' rather than 'Synthroid') and search for it above. Spanish pharmacists work from the active ingredient, and most medicines exist as a generic marked EFG. The table above covers the brands visitors ask about most often.
Can an online doctor renew my prescription from home?
A doctor licensed in Spain can review a continuing treatment by video, confirm that it is appropriate and safe, and issue a private electronic prescription valid in any Spanish pharmacy. The decision is made in the consultation, on clinical grounds, and some medicines cannot be prescribed online at all.
Are medicines cheaper in Spain?
Prices of prescription medicines are regulated and generics are widespread, so most everyday medicines cost less than in the UK or the US. Private prescriptions are paid in full at the pharmacy; publicly funded prices apply only to patients registered with the Spanish public health system.
Tue · Thu · Fri · SatNot sure what a medicine is, or need a continuing treatment reviewed?
Book a video consultation with a doctor licensed in Spain. Private e-prescriptions are issued only when clinically indicated after the assessment. Emergencies: 112.
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