We hear this question all the time and the answer is NO, you cannot legally buy antibiotics over the counter here in Spain. By law, you can only get antibiotics (antibióticos) from a pharmacist in Spain if you have a prescription (receta) from your doctor or a hospital.
Are antibiotics available in Spain?
Of course antibiotics are available in Spain - with a doctor's prescription (only, since at least 2006). Until recently you could buy antibiotics over the counter here in Spain.
Should antibiotics be sold over-the-counter?
In addition, current regulations state that antibiotics cannot be sold without a medical prescription and should not, in any case, be considered to be over-the-counter medications.
Can you buy medicines over the counter in the UK?
There are many things which you can purchase over the counter here which are available only on prescription back in the UK and with the cost now at £7.40 per item it can be extremely costly to be ill! The Scots and Welsh are exempt from these charges - its just the poor English ... and poor they are if they need repeat medication!
Are non-prescription medicines cheaper in Spain?
Non prescription medication can also be cheaper in some instances - I bought some Zovirax 2gm cold sore cream last week and paid 2.79€ - at Boots it costs £6.39! Amoxcillin 500 antibiotic and Voltaren Retard 100mg anti-inflamatory are both prescription only items in the UK but can be bought for a few euros here in Spain.
Can you get antibiotics over counter Spain?
We hear this question all the time and the answer is NO, you cannot legally buy antibiotics over the counter here in Spain. By law, you can only get antibiotics (antibióticos) from a pharmacist in Spain if you have a prescription (receta) from your doctor or a hospital.
Can you get antibiotics in a pharmacy in Spain?
Despite being illegal, over-the-counter sales of antibiotics still occurs in Spain. The supply of an antibiotic from a pharmacy without a prescription involves a consultation with a pharmacist.
What antibiotics are available over the counter?
That said, only certain types of antibiotics, such as topical antibiotics, are available over the counter....Topical over-the-counter antibiotics include:Neosporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B)Polysporin (bacitracin/polymyxin B)Neosporin Plus (neomycin/polymyxin B/pramoxine)Proactiv/Clearskin (Benzoyl peroxide)
What drugs are available over the counter in Spain?
In Spain, nearly all medicines have to be purchased at a Farmacia. Unlike in some other countries, you cannot purchase medicines in supermarkets and corner shops. Even everyday medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine have to be purchased via a Farmacia.
How can I get antibiotics without seeing a doctor?
Some topical antibiotics are available over the counter, so you don't need to see a doctor for those. You do need a prescription for oral antibiotics, but that doesn't mean you need to see a doctor in person: You can also speak with a healthcare provider via telemedicine to get the right prescription.
What is a substitute for amoxicillin?
Levofloxacin.Clarithromycin.Ceftriaxone.Levaquin.Azithromycin.Doxycycline.
Can I get amoxicillin over the counter?
No, you cannot purchase amoxicillin over the counter. You need a prescription. To reduce the risk of developing drug resistance, your doctor or healthcare provider must be convinced that you need this medication before you can get it.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics?
For the most part, pharmacists can only prescribe antibiotics if they are qualified as a PIP. 'Another circumstance that permits a pharmacist to prescribe antibiotics is if their patient is under a patient group direction (PGD),' says Abdeh.
Can you buy antibiotics over the counter in Europe?
However, despite the legal framework stating that antibiotics should only be dispensed with a medical prescription and that over the counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics are illegal in all Member States of the European Union (there are some exceptions in a number of them—for example, creams or eye drops that contain ...
How do I get prescriptions from Spain?
Registering with a doctor in Spain Before you can make an appointment to see a doctor in Spain, you must register with a local doctor. Take note that doctors may offer both state and private consultations and treatments, so make it clear which type you require.
Can I buy medicine with foreign prescription in Spain?
A prescription delivered by a doctor in your country is valid in all EU countries. However, a medicine prescribed in one country might not be available or it may have another name. You can ask your doctor to give you a prescription to use in another EU country, also known as a "cross-border prescription".
Can pharmacists run their own pharmacy in Spain?
A pharmacist in Spain must own and run his own chemist, chain chemists (eg Boots) are not permitted in Spain and there is a limit to how many there can be per town ... its is worked out on a population basis ( which is also they case for "Notari's).
Can I buy Amoxcillin 500 in Spain?
Amoxcillin 500 antibiotic and Voltaren Retard 100mg anti-inflamatory are both prescription only items in the UK but can be bought for a few euros here in Spain.
Can Mercadona sell plaster?
It is only in the last 10 years or so that supermarkets such as Mercadona have been allowed to sell plasters, dressings and very basic bits - they are still forbidden to sell any medication such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen.
How many pharmacies refuse to sell antibiotics?
Of the 45 pharmacies that refused to sell an antibiotic, the most frequently sold drug was ibuprofen (26 pharmacies; 57.8%), followed by antiseptics with or without anesthetic lozenges (16 pharmacies; 35.6%). Acute bronchitis.
When did the Ministry of Health start a campaign to encourage people to not request antibiotics?
At the end of 2006 and during almost all of 2007, a massive institutional campaign was launched by the Ministry of Health to publicize the need for individuals to visit a physician in cases of infectious illness and to encourage individuals to not request antibiotics in pharmacies.
Is antibiotics considered a response?
A response was considered to be health related if the pharmacist expressed concern that it was not good for the patient's health to sell them this medication, that antibiotics cannot be given for viral infections, or that selling an antibiotic in this case could lead to the spread of resistance.
Can antibiotics be sold without a prescription?
Background. Current regulations in Spain state that antibiotics cannot be sold without a medical prescription. The objective of this study was to quantify the percentage of pharmacies selling antibiotics without an official medical prescription in Catalonia, Spain, by the simulation of 3 different clinical cases presented by actors.
Is it possible to get an antibiotic without a prescription?
On the other hand, the possibility of acquiring an antibiotic without a prescription should be considered a worldwide problem, and thus, this problem should be approached from a worldwide perspective. The deregulation of antibacterial medications is a recurrent topic in the debate on pharmaceutical policy.
Can you sell ibuprofen without a prescription?
Another pharmacist commented that the ibuprofen (for acute bronchitis) sold would not be effective but that nothing else could be sold.
Is Spain a European country?
Spain is one of the European countries in which the consumption of antibiotics has been high in the past, although in recent years, a reduction has been observed in the rate of prescription of these drugs by primary care physicians [ 6, 7 ].
Where to pay for prescriptions?
Getting and Paying for your Prescriptions at the Farmacia. As in the UK and other countries, if your doctor does give you a prescription ( Receta ), simply take this to your nearest farmacia. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may need to pay a certain amount towards your prescription.
What is the Spanish word for chemists?
Essential Spanish phrases to use at the farmacia. And lots more. Let’s take a look! The chemists in Spain are referred to as “ Farmacias ” plural or “ Farmacia ” singular.
When are farmacias open?
Most Farmacias are open between the hours of 9:30 am until 2 pm and then open again from around 5 pm to 9:30 pm from Monday to Friday. At weekends they are open from 9:30 am until 2 pm on a Saturday. Most towns will have at least a couple of farmacias with each one taking it in turns to open out of hours.
Can you buy medicine in a supermarket?
Unlike in some other countries, you cannot purchase medicines in supermarkets and corner shops. Even everyday medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine have to be purchased via a Farmacia.
Is a pharmacy a social hub in Spain?
The Spanish pharmacy is not only a place to pick up your prescriptions ( Recetas) though, in many towns they act as a social hub where the locals come to gossip, socialise and share their health woes with the pharmacists, other members of staff and the local community.
Can pharmacists speak English?
As a rule of thumb, if you are staying in a tourist area, many of the pharmacists will be able to speak with you in English. This may not be the case though in other parts of the country, especially inland where English is not so widely spoken.
Can you buy painkillers in the supermarket?
Some items that you could obtain more widely in other countries are only available from there. For example, you cannot buy painkillers in the supermarkets and there is no equivalent to Boots. Of course, they will also provide the medication prescribed by your doctor .
Can a pharmacist be on site?
There should be a pharmacist on site but the pharmaceutical assistants can also be very knowledgeable and will be happy to indicate a medication that might be suitable or urge you to go to the doctors if necessary. However, please remember they are not doctors. Do not expect them to give you an in-depth diagnosis.
Do you need a farmacia in Spain?
Whether it is for the occasional pain killer or for a regular, essential medication, chances are that you will need to visit a farmacia in Spain at some point. The good news is that usually this is an excellent, well-organised and easily accessible service. However, there are differences between the way pharmacies in Spain function ...
Is there an emergency 24 hour chemist in Spain?
Chemists generally follow the usual Spanish opening times. However, there will be an emergency 24 hour farmacia somewhere locally. There is a notice posted on the door of eve ry farmacia that will tell you where the 24 hour service is available. All hospitals contain their own chemists.
Do pharmacies in Spain have their own lab?
Some pharmacies in Spain also have their own laboratory and can make up special medication. Howe v er, don’t worry if your local chemist can’t do this as they will order the prescription for you. What many people appreciate about chemists in Spain is that they will give you advice and are used to handling queries.
