Pharmacy Guide 💊
Find Czech equivalents for common medicines — no prescription needed
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication.
⚠️ Important: This is general information only. Ask the pharmacist (lékárník/lékárnice) for help — they're very helpful and most speak some English. If symptoms are severe or persistent, see a doctor.
💡 Tip: Show your symptom or medicine name on your phone — pharmacists are used to this and will find the right product.
🤕 Pain & Fever (Bolest a horečka)
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache / Fever | Paralen / Panadol 500mg | Paracetamol | Most common OTC painkiller in CZ. Same as Tylenol/Acetaminophen. |
| Headache / Migraine | Ibalgin / Brufen 200-400mg | Ibuprofen | Anti-inflammatory + painkiller. Also helps with muscle pain. |
| Strong pain / Fever | Aspirin / Acylpyrin 500mg | Aspirin (ASA) | Do NOT give to children under 12! |
| Combined headache + sinus | Coldrex / Theraflu Per package | Paracetamol + Phenylephrine | Cold combo pills — good for headache + blocked nose |
🤧 Cold & Flu (Nachlazení a chřipka)
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked nose | Olynth / Nasivin 0.05-0.1% | Xylometazoline | Nasal spray. Don't use more than 7 days! |
| Sore throat | Strepsils / Neo-Angin Lozenges | Amylmetacresol | Antiseptic throat lozenges. Dissolve slowly. |
| Cough (dry) | Stoptussin / Sinecod Per package | Butamirate | Suppresses dry cough. Not for productive cough. |
| Cough (wet/productive) | ACC / Mucosolvan Per package | Acetylcysteine / Ambroxol | Thins mucus, helps clear lungs. Good for bronchitis. |
🤢 Stomach & Digestion (Žaludek a trávení)
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartburn / Acid reflux | Rennie / Maalox 1-2 tablets | Calcium carbonate + Magnesium | Chew after meals. Fast relief. |
| Diarrhea | Imodium / Loperon 2mg | Loperamide | Slows gut movement. Drink plenty of water! |
| Nausea / Vomiting | Kinedryl / Aviomarin 50mg | Dimenhydrinate | Also helps with motion sickness. |
| Bloating / Gas | Espumisan / Sab Simplex Per package | Simethicone | Reduces gas bubbles. Safe for babies too. |
| Stomach cramps | No-Spa / Drotaverin 40-80mg | Drotaverine | Muscle relaxant for cramps. Popular in Eastern Europe. |
| Constipation | Dulcolax / Laxygal Per package | Bisacodyl / Sennoside | Use short-term only. Works overnight. |
🌸 Allergies (Alergie)
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal allergy (hay fever) | Zyrtec / Zodac 10mg | Cetirizine | Non-drowsy antihistamine. Take once daily. |
| Allergy (drowsy) | Dithiaden / Fenistil Per package | Dimetindene | Older antihistamine — causes drowsiness. Good for nighttime. |
| Skin rash / Itching | Fenistil gel / Cortisone cream Apply topically | Dimetindene / Hydrocortisone | Fenistil gel for bug bites, cortisone for rashes. Short-term use. |
😴 Sleep & Stress (Spánek a stres)
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild insomnia | Melatonin / Dormex 0.5-3mg melatonin | Melatonin / Diphenhydramine | Melatonin is gentle and non-habit forming. Good for jet lag. |
| Anxiety / Stress (mild) | Persen / Valeriana | Valerian root + Lemon balm | Herbal option. Takes 2 weeks to work. Non-addictive. |
💊 Vitamins & Supplements
| Problem | Czech Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D deficiency | Vigantol / Vitamin D3 1000-2000 IU | Cholecalciferol | Essential in CZ winters — many people are deficient! |
| Immunity / Colds | Vitamin C / Celin 250-1000mg | Ascorbic acid | Effervescent tablets popular in CZ. 1 in water daily. |
| Magnesium (muscle cramps) | Magnesium Lactate / Magne B6 Per package | Magnesium | For leg cramps, stress, heart palpitations. |