Sleeping aids: Melatonina (melatonin), which is especially effective for jet-lag.As a spray or gargle, use Tantum Verde for pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment of the mouth and throat. If you have a sore throat, try Benagol lozenges.Diarrhea (diarrhea): Imodium (same as in the U.S.).Itchy dermatitis, sunburn and insect bites: Polaramin (cream).Cuts that get infected or take long to heal: Gentalyn Beta (cream).For disinfecting cuts ( tagli): Citrosil, Betadine, Mercuro Cromo.There’s also Citrosodina, made with sodium bicarbonate, to protect against indigestion. Heartburn in Italian is “ bruciore di stomaco” (stomach burn). Used to reduce stomach acid – Italian equivalent: Gaviscon and Maalox. Used to treat allergies, runny nose and for relief from itching – the Italian equivalent is Zirtec (same, just with an ‘i’ instead of a ‘y’). Antihistamine/Cetirizine (Benadryl/Zyrtec) Tachipirina is normally used to bring down a high fever there is also Tachipirina for babies in the form of suppositories ( supposte). Used to treat minor pain and fever – Italian equivalent: Tachipirina 500mg (for 1,000 mg pills, you’ll need a prescription). Also, Nurofen for fever and pain in children, sold as a syrup. Useful for headache, teeth pain and menstrual cramps, it is sold in tablets (called pastiglie or compresse). Used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation – Italian equivalent: Moment, or Brufen. Guide to Over the Counter Medicines in Italy Ibuprofen (Advil) Don’t be discouraged: Italian pharmacists will be happy to advise you on the best treatment for you. You will need to interact with the pharmacist for most over the counter medicines in Italy, even if you don’t need a prescription to buy them. It is handy to know the names for the most common over the counter medicines in Italy so that if you get a pounding headache, fever, a cut that doesn’t heal or awful indigestion, you know quickly what to ask the pharmacist ( farmacista) or look for in the store. You will recognize the Italian pharmacy by the green cross that lights up intermittently outside the store – all pharmacies in Italy have them. Head to the pharmacy ( farmacia in Italian) for minor aches and pains, cold or flu, aspirin, vitamins, herbal remedies and non-critical emergencies.

OTC medicines are displayed on the shelves accessible to customers, or on the shelves just behind the counter. Over the counter medicines in Italy can be found in pharmacies, drugstores ( parafarmacie) and in the ‘health corners’ of major supermarkets. ‘ Farmaci da banco’ is the name for over the counter medicines in Italy those medications you can buy without a doctor’s prescription because they cure minor ailments.

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