Headache Pills in Europe: What to Buy If You Forgot Yours at Home

Introduction

Finding yourself travelling without the usual headache tablets is a situation familiar to many. Pharmacies in Europe are organised differently, the names of medicines are unfamiliar, and medicines are often stored behind the counter rather than in display cases. All this can cause confusion and even anxiety - especially if the pain is sudden.

In this article, let's get to the bottom of it:

• How pharmacies are organised in Europe and why painkillers are not always in the public domain.

• What active ingredients to look for: paracetamol, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).

• Under which trade names they are sold in different countries - with a table to guide you.

• How to ask the pharmacist for a medicine, even if the pharmacist does not speak English.

• What mistakes to avoid when buying and taking painkillers abroad.

This article will come in handy for those who are going on a trip to Europe, travelling frequently or just want to feel more confident in a foreign pharmacy. A little preparation and no headache will take you by surprise. 

How Pharmacies Work in Europe: What Travelers Need to Know

In most European countries, pharmacies operate according to the same standards, but differ from the usual idea of open-shelf shops. Here, painkillers and other over-the-counter medicines are most often stored behind the counterand can only be obtained after talking to a pharmacist.

Don't be surprised if you don't find the medication you need on display - it doesn't mean it's not there. When you go to a pharmacy, ask the pharmacist for the problem (e.g. "headache") or the name of the active ingredient (e.g. "paracetamol") and they will suggest available options.

In some countries (e.g. France, Germany or Italy), pharmacists may ask qualifying questions such as who will be taking the medicine, whether there are other symptoms or chronic conditions. This is not out of bureaucracy, but for the patient's safety - to rule out incompatibility or overdose.

English is almost always understood in large cities, but in small towns it is better to have the names of the active ingredients and use an interpreter if necessary.

It is important to remember: even if a medicine is over-the-counter, it does not mean that it will be freely available. In Europe, the system is built on trust and professional counselling - and this is a plus rather than a minus.

Key Active Ingredients for Headache Relief

In many European countries, the names of medicines may be very different from what you are used to. To avoid making a mistake, look not for the brand name, but for the active ingredient, which is usually indicated on the packaging in Latin or the local language.

Here are the three most common substances that are used for headaches and are available over-the-counter:

Paracetamol (Paracetamol / Paracétamol)

• Used for mild to moderate pain and fever.

• Suitable for most people, including pregnant women (in reasonable doses).

• Often found under the names: Doliprane (France), Efferalgan, Panadol (various European countries).

Ibuprofen (Ibuprofen / Ibuprofène)

• An analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

• Effective for headache, toothache, muscle pain.

• Popular brands include Nurofen, Brufen, Ibumetin.

Acetylsalicylic acid (Acetylsalicylic acid / Acide acétylsalicylique)

• Known as aspirin.

• It has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• It is often sold as Aspirin C, Aspegic, ASS-ratiopharm.

If you know the name of the substance, you can easily find its analogue in any pharmacy. In case of doubt, just show the pharmacist the list or the package from home.

Where to Find Painkillers in Europe: Country-by-Country Guide

Below is a practical table with examples of preparations containing popular painkillers. It includes the names under which the medicines can be found in pharmacies in Europe, as well as the format of the medicines and the specifics of purchase.

 

 

Formulations may vary slightly and the medicines themselves may have different dosages. Therefore, always check the composition on the back of the package and do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist, especially if you have chronic diseases or take other medications.

Peculiarities of buying painkillers in Europe

Buying painkillers in Europe may be a little different from what you're used to. Here are the main points to consider:

In most pharmacies, drugs, even over-the-counter ones, are not on open shelvesbut are stored behind the counter. You'll have to go to a pharmacist to buy what you need. This is normal practice - it helps you avoid making the wrong choice and gives you the opportunity to get a short consultation.

Packs are usually small - 8 to 20 tablets. People here do not buy medicines "in advance" and pharmacies do not sell large packs without a prescription.

The pharmacist may ask additional questions such as: who will be taking the medicine, are there any allergies, what symptoms accompany the pain. This is not an interrogation, but part of standard protocol. The aim is to keep the customer safe and suggest a suitable product.

In larger cities, pharmacists often speak English, but in smaller communities it is better to be prepared to show the name of the active ingredient or the packaging (you can take a picture at home or save it on your phone).

If you are unsure about the composition of the drug, don't hesitate to clarifyespecially if you are taking other medications. European pharmacists are used to this kind of dialogue and are eager to help.

It is also worth taking into account that combination medicines are less common here - more often they sell medicines with a single active ingredient. For example, instead of one pill "for everything" you may be offered paracetamol separately, and antihistamine - only if necessary.

What to Avoid When Buying Medicine Abroad

Even if you have a headache and want relief as soon as possible, it is important to remain cautious when buying medicines in an unfamiliar country. Here are some common mistakes and situations to avoid:

Do not buy medicines without readable instructions. If you cannot read the composition and dosage, it is better not to risk it. This is especially true for packages without translations or with information only in the local language.

Avoid multi-component products if you are not sure of the composition. Some preparations contain not only analgesics but also caffeine, antihistamines, antipyretics or even sedatives. For example, caffeine combinations can cause blood pressure spikes and antihistamine combinations can cause drowsiness. This may increase the effect, but also increase the risk of adverse reactions or incompatibility with other medicines.

Do not buy medicines in supermarkets without a pharmacist. In some countries, such as the UK or the Netherlands, painkillers are indeed available in general shops. But it is important to remember that these chains may sell reduced in compositionor generics with other auxiliary components. Often there are no instructions or explanations in the right language.

It is still better to buy medicines in a pharmacywhere you can clarify the composition and get help from a specialist.

Do not take the drug if the name is similar but the composition is different. For example, the brand name may be familiar but contain a different active ingredient in a different dosage - especially important for people with chronic diseases.

Do not duplicate the active ingredient. If you are taking, say, a cold medicine that already contains paracetamol, do not add another tablet of paracetamol to it separately. This can easily lead to an overdose.

Do not trust advice from the Internet or forums without checking. Even if someone wrote "I bought it and everything was fine", it does not mean that it will work for you. It is better to check with a pharmacist or use official reference books.

💡 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.

Quick Travel Tips for Finding Headache Pills

In order not to be left without help on the trip, even if you forgot the usual headache pills, it is better to prepare a little in advance. Here are simple but useful recommendations:

Take a minimum supply of tried-and-tested medications with you

Even if you are flying on a weekend, put a couple of paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets in your hand luggage. It is better to be reassured than to run around pharmacies in an unfamiliar city.

Make a list of the active ingredients

Write down the International Nonproprietary Names (INN): paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid on your phone or a piece of paper. This will help explain yourself at any pharmacy, regardless of country.

Download an offline translator or a drug reference app

For example, Pill in Trip can help you quickly find an analogue of a drug in another country. This is especially helpful if there is no translation on the package.

If you take painkillers regularly, take the prescription with you

Preferably in English, with the dosage and the name of the active ingredient. This may come in handy not only at the pharmacy, but also at the border.

Don't be afraid to ask the pharmacist

In Europe, pharmacists are well-trained and ready to help - just say "I have a headache, what do you recommend?" or show them what you are looking for. This is often enough to get what you need without too much explanation.

Conclusion

Having a headache while travelling is uncomfortable, but not critical if you know what to do. You can find effective and safe over-the-counter painkillers in pharmacies in Europe, but it is important to understand what active ingredients you need, what they are called and where to find them.

Do not rely on familiar brands - the same substance may be called by different names in different countries. Avoid spontaneous purchases "based on a picture" and read the ingredients carefully. And most importantly, do not be afraid to ask the pharmacist. In most cases, just one phrase is enough to get the medicine you need.

With a little preparation, you will feel more confident in any pharmacy in Europe.

FAQ: Common Questions About Buying Painkillers in Europe

Why is there no Citramon in Europe?

Citramone is a combination drug that usually contains paracetamol, caffeine and aspirin. In European countries, such combinations are hardly ever used, as drug regulators favour mono-drugsone reason per tablet. This reduces the risk of side effects and makes the treatment regimen more transparent. If you are used to Citramon, you can buy paracetamol separately and caffeine (in tablet or coffee form) if needed.

How do I explain to the pharmacy that I have a headache?

The easiest way is to say the phrase: "I have a headache, I need something for pain relief."
In most pharmacies, this will be enough for the pharmacist to offer you 1-2 options. If the pharmacist doesn't speak English (which happens in less touristy areas), you can:

• Show the word "headache" and the name of the active ingredient (e.g. paracetamol) on your phone or a piece of paper,

• Use the translator on your smartphone - Google Translate, DeepL, etc.

What to do if the pharmacist does not speak English?

This can happen in small towns or rural pharmacies. To make things go smoothly:

• Have with you a list of the substances needed in Latin (for example: ibuprofen 400 mg),

• Show the packaging of a familiar drug - even if the name doesn't match, the pharmacist will identify the active ingredient,

• Use a translator with a camera function: point at the package or display case and get a translation in a language you understand.

Being prepared for these situations is key to getting you the right remedy quickly, even without language skills.

Can I buy pills at night?

In Europe, it depends on the country and the city:

• Major capitals (Paris, Berlin, Madrid) have duty pharmacies (Pharmacie de garde, Notdienstapotheke) - their schedule can be found online.

• In smaller towns, pharmacies may close at 18:00-20:00 and be closed completely on weekends.

• Sometimes pharmacies on duty require call the number on the dooror use the phone.

It is recommended to download a local app or website with pharmacy duty stations in advance - e.g. Pharmanity (France), Apotheken.de (Germany).

How do I know if the European dosage is suitable?

In Europe, dosages may be different from what you are used to:

• Paracetamol is more commonly found in 500 mg doses, while 325 or 650 mg are popular in the US, for example.

• Ibuprofen can be sold in dosages of 200, 400 or 600 mg - but 600 mg often requires a prescription.

• Packages contain dosage information under "Active substance" (or Substance active, Wirkstoff, etc.).

The important thing to compare is not the number of tablets, but the content of active ingredient per dose. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or check the dosage at home.