Drug analogues in the Czech Republic: how to choose medicines
When searching for analogues of Ukrainian medicines in the Czech Republic, it is important to know the specifics of the local pharmaceutical system. Czech pharmacies operate according to their own rules for selling medicines and issuing prescriptions. Find out more about how to find the right medicines, understand local names and choose the right analogues of Ukrainian medicines in the Czech Republic
Ukrainians who have settled in the Czech Republic often face the problem of finding familiar medicines in local pharmacies, as the names and dosage forms of drugs here can differ significantly. We will tell you how to understand Czech medicines and find analogues of Ukrainian medicines in this article.
Where and how to look for medicines abroad and about analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Europe - read the link.
What medicines can be bought in the Czech Republic without a prescription?
In the Czech Republic, as in most European countries, medicines are divided into prescription and non-prescription. Over-the-counter medicines that can be freely purchased in Czech pharmacies include:
- mild painkillers;
- cold and flu medicines;
- anti-allergic drugs;
- vitamins and mineral complexes;
- cough and sore throat remedies;
- medicines for the treatment of digestive disorders;
- ointments and creams for local pain;
- some antiviral drugs.
Don't want to miss important updates and useful materials? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in the Czech Republic?
You cannot buy antibiotics without a prescription in the Czech Republic. All antibiotics, as well as most potent medicines, are available only with a doctor's prescription. This rule was introduced to prevent self-treatment and the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a serious problem worldwide. To get an antibiotic, you need to see a doctor who will assess your condition and, if necessary, write a prescription.
You can find out what medicines cannot be imported into the EU and the list of prohibited drugs here.
How do I get a prescription in the Czech Republic?
In the Czech Republic, medicines are divided into two main categories: prescription and over-the-counter. Most potent medicines, including antibiotics and some painkillers, are sold only with a doctor's prescription.
If you have any complaints or symptoms that require treatment, the first step is to see a general practitioner. In the Czech Republic, you first visit a general practitioner (therapist), who can write a prescription or refer you to a specialist who can also write a prescription if necessary.
It is also worth noting that the Czech Republic uses an electronic prescription system (eRecept). After the consultation, the doctor creates an electronic prescription, and you receive its number on your phone or in paper form. This number is enough to provide at the pharmacy to receive the prescribed medication.
Take care of your health during your stay abroad with a comprehensive health insurance from Visit Ukraine.
How to choose medicines in the Czech Republic: analogues of Ukrainian medicines
Painkillers
Analogues of Ibuprofen:
- Nurofen;
- Ibalgin;
- Brufen;
- Advil;
- Ibumax;
- Motrin;
- Ibuprom.
Analogues of Paracetamol:
- Paralen;
- Panadol;
- Paramax;
- Paracetamol Teva;
- Mexalen;
- Ataralgin;
- Medipyrin.
Additional painkillers familiar to Ukrainians:
- No-Spa - Np Spa;
- Spasmalgon - Algifen Neo (by prescription only);
- Citramon - Acylpyrin.
Drugs for the gastrointestinal tract
- Pancreatin - Pancreolan Forte;
- Loperamide - Imodium;
- Activated white carbon - Carbosorb;
- Rennie - Rennie;
- Gastal - Anacid;
- Smecta - Smecta;
- Mezym - Mezym.
Drugs against allergies
- Eden;
- Claritin - Claritin;
- Cetirizine - Zyrtec or Cetirizin Sandoz;
- Loratadine - Loratadin Teva.
Sedatives and drugs to improve sleep
- Novo-Passit - Novo-Passit;
- Persen - Persen;
- Valerian - Valeriana Extra;
- Glycine - Tryptophan;
- Magnesium B6 - Magnesium B6;
- Sedafiton - Relaxan.
Drugs for rhinitis, cough and sore throat
- Nazivin - Olynth;
- Otrivin - Otrivin;
- Strepsils - Strepsils;
- Ambrobene - Ambrobene;
- Lasolvan - Mucosolvan.
Keep in mind. Medicines should be taken only after consulting a doctor, as the optimal dosage should be chosen to avoid harm to health.
Analogues of other common Ukrainian drugs
- Corvalent - Valocardin;
- Levomicol - Leukopor or Ichtoxyl;
- Fluconazole - Fluconazole or Diflucan (by prescription only);
- Picolax - Guttalax;
- Atoxil - Enterosgel or Carbosorb;
- Diclofenac tablets - Diclofenac Teva (by prescription only);
- Diclofenac ointment - Voltaren Emulgel.
Important! Self-prescribing medicines can pose a serious health risk. Therefore, to minimise the risks, you should consult a qualified medical specialist on the selection of medicines.
Just to remind you. The Polish pharmaceutical system has its own regulations on the sale of medicines, as well as rules for issuing prescriptions. For more information on the analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Poland and how to choose the right medicines, please follow the link.
Photo: Freepik
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Frequantly
asked questions
Do Ukrainians have access to free medical care in the Czech Republic?
How can Ukrainians get medicines in the Czech Republic?
How can Ukrainians find a doctor in the Czech Republic?
Recommended articles
1 min
For refugeesThe Czech government proposes to increase the amount of aid for Ukrainian refugees: details
In response to the change in living conditions for Ukrainians, the Czech government has proposed a significant increase in humanitarian aid for people with disabilities and those with long-term health problems. Read more about the update in our article
15 Aug. 2024
More details2 min
TravelCompulsory schooling for Ukrainian children in the Czech Republic: Rules and penalties
The Czech Ministry of the Interior has emphasized that Ukrainian children must attend local schools, even if they continue their education remotely in Ukraine. Find out what consequences parents may face for violating this rule and how to ensure that their child has a place at school or kindergarten
19 Aug. 2024
More details1 min
For refugeesDeprivation of benefits: the Czech Republic will tighten control over Ukrainian refugees
The Czech authorities have decided to tighten control over Ukrainian refugees staying in the country on the basis of temporary protection to prevent abuse of social assistance. Read more about the updates in the country
11 Sep. 2024
More details1 min
For refugeesThe Czech Republic has made changes to the rules for extending temporary protection for refugees who hold long-term visas to Canada or the United Kingdom. Find out more about what has changed and what the conditions for extending protection are now
18 Sep. 2024
More details