Headache Medicine in the USA: What to Buy Locally If You Forgot Yours

How buying painkillers in the US works

The system for buying drugs in the United States is different than in many other countries. Here, over-the-counter drugs are a full-fledged retail experience: you simply go to a pharmacy or supermarket, pick up the package you want from the shelf, and pay at the checkout counter. You don't have to go to a pharmacist - everything is based on self-service.

That's where painkillers are most often sold:

American pharmacies are self-service: you take the package from the shelf and go to the checkout. To save time and avoid making a mistake, it is better to know in advance which chains are nearby and how they differ.

• 1. CVS Pharmacy
  One of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. There are pharmacies in almost every city, many are open 24 hours a day. Original brands and CVS Health's own budget line are available.

• 2. Walgreens
  .Comparable to CVS in terms of coverage. Easy to find the nearest pharmacy through the website, there are locations with 24-hour service and drive-thru windows. Often have promotions and discounts.

• 3. Rite Aid
  The third most popular pharmacy chain. Slightly less common, but covers most states. There is a wellness+ discount program and regular offers on painkillers.

• 4. Walmart Pharmacy
  Walmart supermarket pharmacies offer a large selection of generic drugs at a low price. You can often find drugs in large packages under the brand name Equate.

• 5. Target Pharmacy (through CVS)
  The pharmacies at Target are serviced by CVS, so the same assortment and loyalty program applies there. A convenient option if you already shop at Target.

• 6. Costco Pharmacy
  A pharmacy for Costco members. Large packaged drugs, bargain prices on Kirkland generics. Online delivery and prescriptions available.

• 7. 7-Eleven and Duane Reade (part of Walgreens)
  Minimarkets with a limited selection, but will help in an emergency: standard painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are most often sold.

The pros of such a system are:

• Quick and easy - no prescription or counseling needed.

• You can compare formulations, prices and brands right on the spot.

• A wide range of dosages and forms from tablets to chewable capsules and liquids.

Minuses:

• Too many options - it's easy to get confused by the names.

• Risk of error: you may accidentally buy a drug with unnecessary components - for example, caffeine or antihistamine.

• Lack of personalized advice unless you ask your pharmacist.

It is important to remember: even if the drug is over-the-counter - it does not mean that it is safe if used incorrectly. Especially if you are taking other medicines at the same time.

Main active ingredients and trade names in the USA

The same pain relievers are available in the United States as in most parts of the world, but they are called by different names and may come in different forms. To help you navigate, it is important to look for the active ingredient, not the brand name - it is listed on the package under "Active ingredient (in each tablet)".

Here are the three main substances that are effective for headaches:

1. Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

• Brands: Tylenol, Equate Acetaminophen, FeverAll (for children)

• Uses: headache, fever, mild to moderate pain

• Features: does not irritate the stomach, allowed in pregnancy, but toxic to the liver in overdose

• Popular formats: tablets, capsules, syrups, suppositories

 

2. Ibuprofen.

• Brands: Advil, Motrin, Kirkland Ibuprofen

• Uses: headache, inflammation, muscle pain, migraines

• Features: acts faster than acetaminophen, but may irritate the stomach. 

• Not recommended for ulcers, kidney disease

• Formats: tablets, gels, soluble capsules (softgels)

 

3. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

• Brands: Bayer, Ecotrin, St. Joseph

• Uses: headache, fever, joint pain

• Features: blood thinner, contraindicated in children and people with GI problems

• It is also found as part of Excedrin, a combination drug

Helpful tip: In the United States, many packages look the same but may differ in composition. Do not rely on the design or words like "Extra Strength", but always check the active ingredient in the Drug Facts section.

💡 Tip: Don't know what your medicine is called in another country?
Find the equivalent of your medicine in any country in Europe on pillintrip.com - convenient, fast and in any language.

How to order medicines at Walmart: step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Buying over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

What you can buy: any over-the-counter medications - paracetamol (Acetaminophen), ibuprofen (Ibuprofen), aspirin (Aspirin), etc.

1.1 Find the right medicine

• Go to Walmart.com or open the Walmart app.

• Enter the name of the drug (for example, "ibuprofen") or use the Pharmacy/Health section.

• Make sure the item does not have a "Prescription required" label - this means it is OTC.

• Check out the reviews and descriptions.

1.2 Add to cart and place an order

• Select a package and click Add to cart.

• Go to Cart > Checkout.

• Log in to your Walmart account or sign up (only need email and phone, no SSN).

1.3 Select the method of receipt

• Store Pickup: select a convenient Walmart store. Free.

• Delivery: Enter the local address (hotel, rental). Delivery within the USA only.

• Shipping: Shipping via FedEx/UPS. Free from $35.

1.4 Pay for the order

• Eligible cards: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover - foreign cards are accepted.

• If it doesn't go through - give a local address (hotel) as billing.

• You can also pay via PayPal, Walmart Pay, and gift cards.

1.5 Receive your order

• Self-collection: wait for a letter or SMS "Ready for pickup", show your order code or passport.

• Delivery: the parcel will arrive at your address.

• Postal: track your parcel by tracking number.

Tip: If you are staying in a hotel, check with the front desk to see if they accept packages. If you're staying at an Airbnb, it's better to write to the host in advance to let them know about the delivery.

Step 2. How to get a prescription drug without a U.S. prescription

Prescription drugs are not sold without a U.S. prescription. What to do:

2.1 Contact a U.S. physician

• Telemedicine: Teladoc, GoodRx Care, Doctor on Demand services allow you to get an online prescription for ~$30-80.

• Clinics: You can go to Urgent Care. In some states, the Walmart pharmacist will do the test and give the treatment (flu, COVID).

Tip: Show your doctor the packaging or prescription from your home country to help understand what you need.

2.2 Register with Walmart Pharmacy

• Online: Walmart > Pharmacy > My prescriptions. Enter your name, date of birth, local address, and phone number.

• At the pharmacy: the pharmacist can register you himself.

2.3 Transfer the prescription to a Walmart pharmacy

• Ask your doctor to send the e-prescription to the right Walmart pharmacy.

• If you have a paper prescription, bring the original.

• If the prescription was sent to another pharmacy - ask Walmart to do a transfer.

2.4 Track readiness

• Connect SMS notifications "Rx Text Alerts".

• You can check the status on the Walmart app.

• Pick up at a pharmacy: tell your name and date of birth, show your passport if necessary.

• By the sidewalk/drive-thru: call the pharmacy or check "I'm here" on the app.

• Shipping: available in select regions. Cost ~$9.95 (free for Walmart+).

Step 3: Features for tourists and relocants

• No SSN needed: Walmart does not require a social security number.

• Insurance is optional: you can pay for it yourself. Ask about the $4 generic program.

• Provide a local address: a hotel or a friend's address will do.

• Passport eligible: only needed for controlled drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine).

• Language: Show the drug name or active ingredient in English. You can use an interpreter.

What to avoid when buying headache pills in the US

While U.S. pharmacies and stores offer a huge selection of over-the-counter painkillers, this abundance can play havoc, especially if you're not well-versed in brands and formulations. Below are common mistakes to avoid.

1. Randomized caffeine and stimulant medications

Many popular painkillers in the US, especially combination painkillers (such as Excedrin), contain caffeine. It enhances the effects of other substances, but it can also cause:

• insomnia;

• tachycardia;

• anxiety and high blood pressure.

If you are sensitive to stimulants, avoid any formula that says "Alertness aid", "Caffeine", "Extra Energy".

2. Repeated active substance = risk of overdose

In the United States, the same substance may be found in more than one drug at the same time. For example:

• you drank cold syrup (it already has acetaminophen in it),

• and added a Tylenol tablet to it - result: double dose of paracetamol, which is a risk to the liver.

Always check the composition, even if the medicines are for different symptoms.

3. codeine and prescription pain relievers

Unlike in Europe, you can find drugs with codeine in the United States, but:

• they're prescription only;

• prohibited for import into many countries (e.g. Japan, UAE);

• cause drowsiness and potential addiction.

Never buy such products "off hand" or from unknown online stores.

4. Cheap drugs from the "dollar store"

Some "everything-for-a-dollar" format stores sell painkillers. But it's not uncommon for these places

• storage conditions have been violated;

• there are no FDA certifications;

• there is a risk of getting caught with expired or counterfeit goods.

It is better to buy medicines from reputable pharmacy chains or supermarkets.

How to know if you have the right drug

The U.S. market for painkillers is diverse and affordable, but that's where the main risk lies. There are a lot of drugs, brightly colored packages, loud names - but the composition may surprise you. 

To avoid making a mistake and harming yourself, stick to the following recommendations:

1. Look for the active ingredient - not the brand name

On the front of the package, you'll see a big brand name (like Tylenol), promises like "Relieves headaches fast", and often "Extra Strength". But that's all marketing. The main thing is the composition on the back, in the Drug Facts box.

In the first line of this block you will see:

• Active ingredient (in each tablet): Acetaminophen 500 mg

• Or, for example: Ibuprofen 200 mg.

Here's how American names relate to familiar substances:

2. Compare the dosage to what you are used to taking

In the US, Regular / Extra / Maximum Strength labeling is very common:

• Regular Strength is usually 325 mg (paracetamol) or 200 mg (ibuprofen).

• Extra Strength - 500 mg (paracetamol), sometimes with caffeine.

• Maximum Strength - can be 650 mg or higher, and is not always listed large.

What to do:

• compare the dosage on the package with what you took at home;

• If in doubt, start with the lowest effective dose.

3. study the entire formulation, especially if it is a combination drug

Some pills contain more than one active ingredient. This is convenient but dangerous if you:

• taking other medicines with the same composition (for example, for a cold with paracetamol),

• Do not tolerate caffeine, antihistamines, or vasoconstrictors.

For example:

• Excedrin Extra Strength contains:
  
  

• Acetaminophen 250 mg

• Aspirin 250 mg

• Caffeine 65 mg

It helps quickly, but is not suitable for anxiety, heart or stomach problems.

4. Talk to your pharmacist - they really help.

Most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) always have a pharmacist who:

• will tell you which remedy to choose;

• will explain the difference between the forms (capsules, tablets, softgels);

• will check to see if the drug conflicts with other medications.

You can say a simple phrase:

"I need something for a headache. I'm looking for ibuprofen only - no caffeine or extra ingredients."

This is completely normal - pharmacy staff in the US are used to such questions, especially from tourists and expats.