"Why Can't I Buy That Here?" Navigating Czech Pharmacies & Prescriptions

Swiss Medical Services
Jan 25
3 min read

You have a pounding headache or a runny nose. You walk into a supermarket in Prague, head to the "health" aisle, and expect to find shelves stocked with Tylenol, DayQuil, or aspirin. Instead, you find vitamins, tea, and maybe some band-aids.

For many expats, this is the first "culture shock" of the Czech medical system.

In the Czech Republic, the rules surrounding medication—even simple painkillers—are significantly stricter than in the US or UK. Navigating the Lékárna (Pharmacy) without speaking Czech can be intimidating, but understanding the system makes it much easier.

1. The "Green Cross" Rule

The first rule of thumb: If it is medicine, it is in a pharmacy. Unlike in many Western countries, you generally cannot buy ibuprofen, aspirin, or medicated throat lozenges in a Tesco or Albert supermarket. You must look for the green cross sign. Even for basic items, you will often need to speak to the pharmacist behind the counter rather than picking it off a shelf yourself.

2. The "ID for a Cold" Surprise

Have you ever tried to buy strong cold medicine here and been asked for your passport? You aren't being interrogated.

Medications containing pseudoephedrine (a common ingredient in effective cold & flu remedies like Modafen or Nurofen Stopgrip) are strictly regulated in Czechia because the ingredient can be misused to manufacture illegal drugs.

The Rule: You can buy them without a doctor's prescription, but you must show a valid ID (Passport or Residence Card). The pharmacist will register the sale to ensure you aren't buying in bulk.

3. Translation Guide: What to Ask For

Brand names rarely travel across borders. If you ask for "Tylenol," you might get a blank stare. Here is your quick cheat sheet for the local equivalents:

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) = Paralen or Panadol
Advil / Motrin (Ibuprofen) = Ibalgin (the pink pill) or Nurofen
Afrin (Nasal Spray) = Olynth or Nasivin

4. Antibiotics are Strictly "Rx Only"

In some countries, you can buy mild antibiotics over the counter. Not here. Czech doctors are conservative with antibiotics to prevent resistance. You cannot buy them without a prescription, and pharmacists cannot make exceptions. If you suspect an infection, you absolutely need to see a doctor first.

The Easy Way: The "e-Recept"

The good news is that once you see a doctor, the process is seamless. The Czech Republic uses a fully digital prescription system called e-Recept.

At Swiss Medical Services, after your consultation, we send an SMS or email with a QR code directly to your phone. You simply show this code at any pharmacy in the country to pick up your medication—no paper slip required.

Don't Guess with Your Health If you are feeling unwell and are unsure what effective medication is available to you, skip the confusion of the pharmacy counter. Book a quick consultation with us. We will ensure you get the right diagnosis and the correct prescription, immediately.