Over-the-counter (OTC)
OTC medications can be bought without a prescription — but what counts as OTC varies dramatically between countries.
OTC medications can be bought without a prescription — but what counts as OTC varies dramatically between countries.
Also known as
Non-prescription medication, Pharmacy-only medicine, Behind-the-counter, OTC drugs
Why travellers need to know
A medication that's freely available on the shelf at home may require a prescription, be pharmacist-dispensed only, or be completely banned in your destination. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is OTC in the US but controlled in Japan. Codeine is OTC in the UK but prescription-only across most of Europe. Knowing these differences before travel means you either bring a supply or have a prescription ready for the local pharmacy.
Real-world example
You regularly take codeine-based painkillers (Nurofen Plus) that are OTC in the UK. In a pharmacy in Athens, you ask for the same thing. The pharmacist tells you codeine is prescription-only in Greece. You leave with plain ibuprofen instead. If you'd checked the OTC status before travel, you could have brought a supply from home.
Country-specific notes
🇯🇵 Japan
Pseudoephedrine and many cold medicines are banned
Japan bans pseudoephedrine, making many Western cold and flu medications (Sudafed, some Lemsip formulations) illegal to import. Japanese pharmacies stock alternatives, but the active ingredients differ. Bring a medication list with INNs so a pharmacist can suggest a legal equivalent.
🇬🇷 Greece
Codeine is prescription-only
Greece restricts codeine to prescription-only, unlike the UK where low-dose codeine combinations are OTC. Other southern European countries have similar restrictions. If you rely on codeine-based painkillers, bring a supply with your prescription documentation.
🇦🇺 Australia
Codeine reclassified to prescription-only in 2018
Australia moved all codeine products to prescription-only in 2018. Previously OTC products (Panadeine, Nurofen Plus) now require a doctor's prescription. If you arrive expecting to buy codeine at a pharmacy, you'll need a GP appointment first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if my medication is OTC in another country?
Check your destination country's medicines regulator website, ask your travel clinic, or contact a pharmacy in the destination city before travel. As a general rule, assume any medication containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, or benzodiazepines is NOT OTC outside your home country unless confirmed otherwise.
Can I bring OTC medications from home into another country?
Generally yes, for personal use quantities (typically up to 3 months' supply). Keep medications in their original packaging with the pharmacy label. Some OTC medications at home may be controlled or banned at your destination, so check import rules specifically for any medication containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, or stimulants.
Your Nomedic medication list shows both brand names and INNs, so a foreign pharmacist can find the local OTC equivalent in seconds.