Medication Names in Spain: US and UK Brand Equivalents (2026)
Medication Names in Spain: US and UK Brand Equivalents (2026)
Tylenol is Gelocatil. Advil is Neobrufen. Lipitor is Cardyl. A verified, AEMPS-sourced directory of what your medication is called in a Spanish pharmacy.
A box of paracetamol in Madrid says Gelocatil on the front. The exact same molecule in Manchester says Panadol; in Manhattan it says Tylenol. None of the three boxes mention the others. For a tourist trying to refill medication or buy something familiar, this is the central problem of foreign pharmacy: the active ingredient is the same, the dose is often the same, but every country has overwritten the box with a different commercial name.
This directory matches roughly 80 of the medications that tourists, expats and digital nomads most often look for in Spain to their US and UK brand equivalents. Every Spanish brand has been verified against the AEMPS database CIMA (the Spanish drug regulator) or Vademecum, and is currently marketed in Spain. US brands are verified against the FDA Orange Book and DailyMed; UK brands against the BNF and MHRA.
Two things to internalise before reading the tables. First: Spanish pharmacists work from the principio activo (active ingredient), not the brand. Show them the box and they will find the local equivalent in seconds. Second: a medication being a familiar OTC purchase at home does not guarantee it is OTC in Spain — and vice versa. Codeine combinations, salbutamol inhalers and 600 mg ibuprofen all need a Spanish prescription. Paracetamol 1 g, ulipristal emergency contraception and most antihistamines do not.
1. Why brand names differ across countries
A pharmaceutical brand is a marketing licence, not a global trademark. When a drug is approved in each country, the originator company (or a licensee) registers a local name that the national regulator accepts. Sometimes the same name travels — Viagra, Augmentin and Imodium are recognisable almost everywhere — but more often, marketing strategy, trademark conflicts, language preferences and local acquisitions produce different brands for the identical molecule.
Three forces drive divergence specifically between Spain, the US and the UK:
Generic substitution rules. Spanish law obliges pharmacists to dispense the cheapest bioequivalent generic unless the prescriber writes no sustituir. Most boxes carry a generic name (for example Omeprazol Cinfa or Atorvastatina Normon) plus the EFG mark (Equivalente Farmacéutico Genérico). The originator brand is dispensed less often, which means the "famous" Spanish name is sometimes a generic-house brand rather than the original.
Different licence holders. Lipitor in Spain is sold as Cardyl and Zarator (both Pfizer); Synthroid in Spain is Eutirox (Merck); Reglan is Primperan (Sanofi). The patent owner often licenses a different brand to a different European partner, producing parallel names that never made the jump across the Atlantic.
USAN vs INN. The US Adopted Name occasionally differs from the international nonproprietary name used in Europe. The two pairs that catch travellers most often: acetaminophen (US) = paracetamol (Spain and UK), and albuterol (US) = salbutamol (Spain and UK). The molecule is identical; only the nomenclature differs.
If you only remember one rule: read the box for the active ingredient. The Latin-rooted versions used in Spain are usually obvious from the English (atorvastatina, amoxicilina, omeprazol, sertralina, levotiroxina). When in doubt, hand the pharmacist the original package.
2. Quick reference: 20 most-searched medications
The fastest answer for the most common questions. Each row is expanded in the category sections that follow, with prescription status, Spanish-specific notes and ambiguity flags.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol / acetaminophen | Gelocatil, Termalgin | Tylenol | Panadol, Calpol | Pain, fever |
| Ibuprofen | Neobrufen, Espidifen | Advil, Motrin | Nurofen, Brufen | Pain, fever, inflammation |
| Metamizol (dipyrone) | Nolotil | Not licensed | Not licensed | Moderate–severe pain, fever |
| Aspirin / acetylsalicylic acid | Aspirina, Adiro (100 mg cardio) | Bayer, Ecotrin | Aspirin, Disprin | Pain, antiplatelet |
| Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid | Augmentine | Augmentin | Augmentin, Co-amoxiclav | Antibiotic |
| Azithromycin | Zitromax | Zithromax (Z-Pak) | Zithromax | Antibiotic |
| Fosfomycin | Monurol | Monurol | Monuril | UTI (single dose) |
| Salbutamol / albuterol | Ventolin | ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin HFA | Ventolin, Salamol | Asthma rescue inhaler |
| Fluticasone (inhaled) | Flixotide | Flovent, Arnuity Ellipta | Flixotide | Asthma preventer |
| Loratadine | Clarityne | Claritin | Clarityn | Antihistamine |
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec, Alerlisin | Zyrtec | Zirtek, Piriteze | Antihistamine |
| Omeprazole | Losec, Omeprazol EFG | Prilosec | Losec | Acid reflux |
| Loperamide | Fortasec | Imodium A-D | Imodium | Diarrhoea |
| Atorvastatin | Cardyl, Zarator | Lipitor | Lipitor | Cholesterol |
| Metformin | Dianben | Glucophage | Glucophage | Type 2 diabetes |
| Levothyroxine | Eutirox | Synthroid | Eltroxin, Levothyroxine | Hypothyroidism |
| Sertraline | Besitran | Zoloft | Lustral | SSRI antidepressant |
| Lorazepam | Orfidal, Idalprem | Ativan | Lorazepam (generic) | Anxiety |
| Sildenafil | Viagra | Viagra | Viagra | Erectile dysfunction |
| Levonorgestrel (emergency) | Norlevo, Postinor | Plan B One-Step | Levonelle | Morning-after pill |
3. Pain relief and fever
Spain's painkiller shelf reflects a continental European prescribing culture: 1 g paracetamol is standard, ibuprofen is mostly bought as 400 mg, and metamizol (Nolotil) — a drug not licensed in the US or UK at all — outsells paracetamol in Spanish primary care. Codeine combinations require a prescription in Spain, unlike in the UK where co-codamol 8/500 is a pharmacy purchase.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use / class | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol / acetaminophenStandard adult dose in Spain: 1 g | Gelocatil, Termalgin, Apiretal (paediatric drops), Efferalgan | Tylenol | Panadol, Calpol (paediatric) | Analgesic / antipyretic | OTC |
| Ibuprofen 400 mg | Neobrufen, Espidifen (mint sachet, arginate salt), Ibuprofeno EFG, Dalsy (paediatric) | Advil, Motrin | Nurofen, Brufen | NSAID | OTC |
| Ibuprofen 600 mg | Neobrufen 600, Espidifen 600 | Rx generic | Rx generic | NSAID, higher dose | Rx |
| Metamizol (dipyrone) 575 mg | Nolotil (Boehringer), Algi-Mabo, Metamizol EFG | Not approved | Not approved | Pyrazolone analgesic / antipyretic / spasmolytic | Rx (since AEMPS 2018 restriction) |
| Aspirin / acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg | Aspirina, AAS EFG | Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin | Aspirin, Disprin | NSAID / antiplatelet | OTC |
| Acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg (cardioprotective) | Adiro 100, Tromalyt | Bayer Low Dose, Ecotrin 81 mg | Aspirin 75 mg dispersible | Antiplatelet, secondary prevention | Rx |
| Dexketoprofen 25 mg | Enantyum (Menarini), Quiralam, Ketesse | Not approved | Keral (Rx) | NSAID, fast-acting | Rx |
| Naproxen 500 / 550 mg | Naprosyn, Antalgin, Naproxeno EFG | Aleve (OTC), Naprosyn (Rx) | Naprosyn, Naproxen (Rx) | NSAID, longer half-life | Rx |
| Diclofenac 50 mg | Voltaren, Diclofenaco EFG | Voltaren (oral Rx; gel OTC) | Voltarol, Voltarol Emulgel (OTC) | NSAID | Rx (gel OTC) |
| Paracetamol + codeine | Cod-Efferalgan, Termalgin Codeína | Tylenol with Codeine #3 (Rx) | Co-codamol 8/500 (P, OTC); higher strengths Rx | Opioid combination analgesic | Rx |
| Tramadol 50 mg | Adolonta, Zaldiar (with paracetamol) | Ultram, Ultracet | Zydol, Tramacet | Opioid analgesic | Rx (controlled) |
Need a prescription in Spain?
PrescribeMe connects tourists and expats with licensed Spanish doctors. Online consultation, Spanish e-prescription sent to your phone.
Get a prescription → From €15 · Licensed Spanish physicians · Valid at any pharmacy4. Antibiotics
Every antibiotic in Spain requires a prescription — there are no exceptions, despite older travel guides suggesting otherwise. Pharmacist dispensing without a prescription has been actively restricted under AEMPS rules since the antimicrobial-stewardship reforms of the last decade.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Common use | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Clamoxyl, Amoxicilina EFG | Amoxil | Amoxil, Amoxicillin | Respiratory, dental, ENT infections | Rx |
| Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid | Augmentine (GSK) | Augmentin | Augmentin, Co-amoxiclav | Sinusitis, dental abscess, complicated UTI | Rx |
| Azithromycin | Zitromax (Pfizer), Azitromicina EFG | Zithromax, Z-Pak | Zithromax | Atypical pneumonia, chlamydia | Rx |
| Clarithromycin | Klacid, Bremon | Biaxin | Klaricid | Macrolide alternative, H. pylori | Rx |
| Ciprofloxacin | Baycip (Bayer), Cetraxal (otic), Ciprofloxacino EFG | Cipro | Ciproxin | UTI, traveller's diarrhoea, otitis externa | Rx |
| Fosfomycin trometamol 3 g | Monurol | Monurol | Monuril | Uncomplicated UTI, single dose | Rx |
| Nitrofurantoin | Furantoína | Macrobid, Macrodantin | Macrobid, Macrodantin | UTI prophylaxis and treatment | Rx |
| Doxycycline | Vibracina (Pfizer), Doxiclat, Proderma | Vibramycin, Doryx, Oracea (low-dose rosacea) | Vibramycin-D, Efracea (rosacea) | Acne, rosacea, atypical infections, malaria prophylaxis | Rx |
| Metronidazole | Flagyl | Flagyl | Flagyl | Anaerobic, bacterial vaginosis, dental, giardiasis | Rx |
| Clindamycin | Dalacin, Clinwas (topical) | Cleocin | Dalacin C | Skin, dental (penicillin allergy) | Rx |
| Cephalexin | Kefloridina, Cefalexina EFG | Keflex | Keflex (limited UK use) | Skin and soft tissue infections | Rx |
| Trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole | Septrin | Bactrim, Septra | Septrin, Co-trimoxazole | UTI, PCP prophylaxis | Rx |
5. Respiratory and allergy
Spain uses the international name salbutamol everywhere; the US uses albuterol for the same molecule. Ventolin is the dominant inhaler brand in both Spain and the UK. ProAir and Proventil are US-only brands that do not exist in Spanish pharmacies — bring an extra inhaler if your prescription is for one of these.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use / class | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol (= albuterol) inhaler | Ventolin (GSK), Salbuair (nebules) | ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA | Ventolin, Salamol, Airomir | Short-acting β2 agonist, asthma rescue | Rx |
| Fluticasone propionate inhaler | Flixotide (pMDI and Accuhaler) | Flovent HFA / Flovent Diskus (US Flovent discontinued by GSK in January 2024 in favour of an authorised generic fluticasone propionate) | Flixotide | Inhaled corticosteroid, asthma preventer | Rx |
| Fluticasone + salmeterol | Seretide, Anasma, Plusvent | Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, AirDuo | Seretide | ICS + LABA combination | Rx |
| Budesonide + formoterol | Symbicort, Rilast | Symbicort | Symbicort, Fostair | ICS + LABA combination | Rx |
| Montelukast | Singulair, Montelukast EFG | Singulair | Singulair | Leukotriene receptor antagonist | Rx |
| Loratadine | Clarityne (Bayer / Organon), Loratadina Cinfa | Claritin | Clarityn | Second-generation antihistamine | OTC |
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec (UCB), Alerlisin (Menarini), Reactine | Zyrtec | Zirtek, Piriteze, Benadryl Allergy (UK) | Second-generation antihistamine | OTC (most 10 mg packs) |
| Bilastine 20 mg | Bilaxten (FAES), Ibis, Obalix | Not FDA-approved (Hikma and FAES Farma signed an exclusive US licence agreement to commercialise bilastine tablets, announced 20 September 2021) | Ilaxten (Menarini) | Non-sedating antihistamine, Spanish-discovered | OTC |
| Ebastine | Ebastel | Not approved | Not licensed | Second-generation antihistamine | Rx |
| Pseudoephedrine | Frenadol (combination), Pseudoefedrina Cinfa | Sudafed | Sudafed (P, behind counter) | Nasal decongestant | Pharmacy-only (P), restricted quantities |
| Diphenhydramine | Soñodor (sleep aid) | Benadryl | Nytol | First-generation antihistamine / sleep aid | OTC (limited products) |
Brand-name Benadryl means different molecules in different countries. In the US and Canada, Benadryl is diphenhydramine. In the UK and Spain, Benadryl-branded products generally contain cetirizine or acrivastine. Read the active ingredient before assuming the box delivers what you remember.
6. Gastrointestinal
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use / class | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole 20 mg | Losec (Cheplapharm), Omeprazol Cinfa / Normon EFG, Pepticum | Prilosec (OTC and Rx) | Losec, Omeprazole (OTC at pharmacy) | Proton pump inhibitor | Rx (20 mg); 10 mg OTC |
| Pantoprazole 20 / 40 mg | Pantecta, Anagastra (Takeda), Pantoprazol EFG | Protonix | Pantoloc Control 20 mg (OTC); pantoprazole generics Rx | Proton pump inhibitor | Rx |
| Esomeprazole | Nexium | Nexium (24HR OTC and Rx) | Nexium Control (OTC) | Proton pump inhibitor | Rx |
| Ranitidine | Withdrawn (NDMA contamination, 2019–2020) | Withdrawn | Withdrawn | H2 blocker | — |
| Famotidine | Famotidina EFG, Pepcid | Pepcid AC | Pepcid | H2 blocker | Rx |
| Loperamide | Fortasec (Kenvue), Loperamida EFG | Imodium A-D | Imodium | Anti-diarrhoeal | OTC |
| Metoclopramide 10 mg | Primperan (Sanofi) | Reglan | Maxolon | Antiemetic / prokinetic | Rx (short-term use only since EMA 2014 restriction) |
| Domperidone 10 mg | Motilium | Not FDA-approved | Generic domperidone | Antiemetic / prokinetic | Rx |
| Hyoscine butylbromide | Buscapina | Not FDA-approved (Levsin is the related US drug) | Buscopan | Antispasmodic for GI cramps | OTC |
| Racecadotril | Tiorfan | Not approved | Not licensed | Anti-secretory for acute diarrhoea | OTC |
| Almagate / aluminium-magnesium antacids | Almax | Maalox, Mylanta | Maalox, Gaviscon | Antacid | OTC |
7. Cardiovascular and metabolic
Long-term medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid is where the brand-translation question matters most for expats. Every drug in this section requires a Spanish prescription, but a Spanish doctor can issue one for any of the molecules below within a single consultation.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use / class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin | Cardyl, Zarator (Pfizer) | Lipitor | Lipitor | Statin |
| Simvastatin | Zocor (MSD), Pantok, Belmalip | Zocor | Zocor (mostly generic) | Statin |
| Rosuvastatin | Crestor, Provisacor | Crestor | Crestor | Statin |
| Amlodipine | Norvas (Viatris), Astudal | Norvasc | Istin (historical); generic amlodipine | Calcium-channel blocker |
| Ramipril | Acovil (Sanofi/Zentiva) | Altace | Tritace | ACE inhibitor |
| Enalapril | Renitec, Acetensil | Vasotec | Innovace | ACE inhibitor |
| Losartan | Cozaar | Cozaar | Cozaar | ARB |
| Bisoprolol | Emconcor, Euradal | Zebeta | Cardicor, Emcor | β-blocker |
| Propranolol | Sumial | Inderal | Inderal | Non-selective β-blocker |
| Furosemide | Seguril | Lasix | Lasix, Frusol | Loop diuretic |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Esidrex; mostly as combinations (Co-Renitec, Co-Diovan) | Microzide | Generic HCTZ (rare alone) | Thiazide diuretic |
| Warfarin | Aldocumar | Coumadin, Jantoven | Marevan, Warfarin | Vitamin K antagonist |
| Apixaban | Eliquis | Eliquis | Eliquis | DOAC |
| Metformin | Dianben | Glucophage, Fortamet, Riomet | Glucophage | Biguanide, type 2 diabetes |
| Levothyroxine | Eutirox (Merck), Levothroid | Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Tirosint | Eltroxin, Levothyroxine generic | Thyroid hormone replacement |
Need a prescription in Spain?
PrescribeMe connects tourists and expats with licensed Spanish doctors. Online consultation, Spanish e-prescription sent to your phone.
Get a prescription → From €15 · Licensed Spanish physicians · Valid at any pharmacy8. Antivirals and antifungals
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aciclovir oral 200 / 400 / 800 mg | Zovirax (Haleon), Aciclovir EFG | Zovirax | Zovirax, generic aciclovir | Herpes simplex, zoster | Rx |
| Aciclovir 5% cream (cold sores) | Zovirax labial, Herpoticum | Zovirax cream, Sitavig | Zovirax cold sore cream | HSV labialis | OTC |
| Valaciclovir 500 / 1000 mg | Valtrex (GSK), Valaciclovir EFG | Valtrex | Valtrex, generic valaciclovir | Herpes simplex, zoster, suppression | Rx |
| Fluconazole 150 mg single dose | Diflucan (Pfizer), Fluconazol EFG | Diflucan | Diflucan, Canesten Oral 150 mg (OTC) | Vulvovaginal candidiasis | Rx |
| Clotrimazole vaginal cream / pessary | Gine-Canestén (Bayer) | Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex-7 | Canesten | Vaginal candidiasis | OTC |
| Clotrimazole 1% skin cream | Canestén crema | Lotrimin AF | Canesten | Tinea, dermatophyte infections | OTC |
| Terbinafine 1% cream | Lamisil | Lamisil AT | Lamisil AT | Athlete's foot, ringworm | OTC |
| Oseltamivir | Tamiflu | Tamiflu | Tamiflu | Influenza antiviral | Rx |
| Nystatin oral suspension | Mycostatin | Mycostatin, Nystop | Nystan | Oral / oesophageal candidiasis | Rx |
9. Reproductive health and contraception
Spain liberalised access to emergency contraception in September 2009 (levonorgestrel) and April 2015 (ulipristal). Both are sold over the counter at any pharmacy with no age restriction and no consultation required. Daily oral contraceptives, by contrast, require a prescription — they have never been OTC in Spain.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (emergency) | Norlevo (HRA), Postinor (Gedeon Richter) | Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, My Way | Levonelle, Upostelle | Morning-after pill, ≤72 h | OTC, no age limit |
| Ulipristal acetate 30 mg (emergency) | ellaOne | ella | ellaOne | Morning-after pill, ≤120 h | OTC since 2016 |
| Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel | Microgynon, Loette, Ovoplex | Lessina, Levora, Aviane | Microgynon, Rigevidon, Ovranette | Combined oral contraceptive | Rx |
| Ethinylestradiol + drospirenone | Yasmin, Yasminelle, Yaz | Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz | Yasmin, Yaz, Eloine | Combined oral contraceptive | Rx |
| Desogestrel 75 µg | Cerazet, Azalia | Slynd (drospirenone analogue) | Cerazette, Cerelle | Progestogen-only pill | Rx |
| Mifepristone | Mifegyne (hospital only) | Mifeprex | Mifegyne | Medical termination of pregnancy | Rx, hospital dispensing |
| Condoms | Supermarket and pharmacy | Supermarket and pharmacy | Supermarket and pharmacy | Barrier method | OTC, no pharmacy required |
10. Mental health, anxiety and sleep
Antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics all require a Spanish prescription. Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (zolpidem) carry the additional receta blanca con visado rule for some controlled-list quantities. Spanish doctors are generally cautious about issuing new benzodiazepine prescriptions to short-term visitors without records of prior use.
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use / class | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertraline | Besitran (Pfizer), Aremis (Esteve), Sertralina EFG | Zoloft | Lustral | SSRI | Rx |
| Escitalopram | Cipralex, Esertia | Lexapro | Cipralex | SSRI | Rx |
| Citalopram | Prisdal, Seropram | Celexa | Cipramil | SSRI | Rx |
| Fluoxetine | Prozac, Adofen, Reneuron | Prozac, Sarafem | Prozac | SSRI | Rx |
| Venlafaxine | Vandral, Dobupal | Effexor XR | Efexor XL | SNRI | Rx |
| Duloxetine | Cymbalta, Xeristar | Cymbalta | Cymbalta | SNRI | Rx |
| Bupropion | Elontril, Zyntabac (smoking cessation) | Wellbutrin XL, Zyban | Zyban (smoking cessation only) | NDRI | Rx |
| Lorazepam 1 mg | Orfidal (Pfizer), Idalprem | Ativan | Generic lorazepam | Benzodiazepine | Rx (controlled) |
| Alprazolam | Trankimazin | Xanax | Xanax, generic alprazolam | Benzodiazepine | Rx (controlled) |
| Diazepam | Valium, Diazepam Prodes | Valium | Valium, Diazemuls | Benzodiazepine | Rx (controlled) |
| Clonazepam | Rivotril | Klonopin | Rivotril, generic clonazepam | Benzodiazepine | Rx (controlled) |
| Zolpidem 10 mg | Stilnox (Sanofi), Dalparan, Zolpidem EFG | Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar | Stilnoct | Z-drug hypnotic | Rx (controlled) |
| Zopiclone | Datolan, Limovan | Lunesta (eszopiclone, the active enantiomer) | Zimovane | Z-drug hypnotic | Rx |
| Melatonin 2 mg PR | Circadin (medicinal); supplement brands <2 mg: Aquilea Sueño, Forté Pharma 1.9 mg, ZzzQuil Natura | Natrol, Nature Made (supplement, OTC) | Circadin, Slenyto (all melatonin POM in UK) | Insomnia | <2 mg OTC (food supplement); ≥2 mg Rx |
11. Erectile dysfunction
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Viagra (Pfizer/Viatris), Sildenafilo EFG | Viagra | Viagra, Viagra Connect 50 mg (OTC at pharmacy since 2018) | PDE5 inhibitor | Rx |
| Tadalafil | Cialis (Lilly), Tadalafilo EFG | Cialis, Adcirca (PAH) | Cialis | PDE5 inhibitor, longer half-life | Rx |
| Vardenafil | Levitra | Levitra, Staxyn | Levitra (limited availability) | PDE5 inhibitor | Rx |
| Avanafil | Spedra | Stendra | Spedra | PDE5 inhibitor, fast onset | Rx |
Sildenafil 50 mg is a pharmacy-counter purchase in the UK under the brand Viagra Connect. In Spain, all PDE5 inhibitors require a prescription. A short telemedicine consultation is the usual route.
12. Dermatology, eye, ear and emergency
| Active ingredient | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇺🇸 US | 🇬🇧 UK | Use | Rx in Spain? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone 1% cream | Lactisona, Hidrocortisona | Cortizone 10 | HC45, Pharmacy Hydrocortisone | Mild eczema, dermatitis | Rx (1%); some 0.5% pharmacy |
| Mometasone furoate cream | Elocom | Elocon | Elocon | Moderate-potency topical steroid | Rx |
| Betamethasone topical | Celestoderm, Diproderm | Diprolene, Betaderm | Betnovate, Diprosone | Topical steroid | Rx |
| Mupirocin 2% ointment | Bactroban, Plasimine | Bactroban, Centany | Bactroban | Topical antibacterial (impetigo) | Rx |
| Permethrin 5% cream | Permecure, Sarcop | Elimite | Lyclear | Scabies treatment | Rx |
| Epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector 300 µg | Altellus, Jext (ALK-Abelló); Anapen (Bioprojet) | EpiPen, Auvi-Q, generic epinephrine auto-injector | EpiPen, Jext, Emerade (relaunched UK 2024) | Anaphylaxis rescue | Rx |
| Salbutamol nebules 2.5 / 5 mg | Ventolín Respirador, Salbuair | AccuNeb, Proventil nebuliser solution | Salamol, Ventolin nebules | Severe asthma, nebulised | Rx |
| Tobramycin eye drops | Tobrex | Tobrex | Tobrex | Bacterial conjunctivitis | Rx |
| Chloramphenicol eye drops | Limited use in Spain | Rarely used | Optrex Infected Eyes / Chloramphenicol (P, OTC) | Bacterial conjunctivitis | Rx in Spain |
| Ciprofloxacin ear drops | Cetraxal, Baycip Ótico | Cetraxal, Ciprodex (with steroid) | Cilodex, Cetraxal | Otitis externa | Rx |
13. The Nolotil situation
Nolotil — the Boehringer Ingelheim brand of metamizol (also known internationally as dipyrone) — is the most-prescribed analgesic in Spanish primary care, used for moderate-to-severe pain, fever and visceral cramps. It is not licensed for sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Canada or Australia.
The reason for the split is one specific adverse reaction: agranulocytosis, a sudden, often unpredictable drop in white blood cells that leaves the body unable to fight bacterial infection. Untreated, it can kill within days. Published estimates of incidence vary dramatically between countries and study designs. The Berlin Case-Control Surveillance Study (Huber et al., European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2015) reported a population incidence of 0.96 cases per million per year (95% CI 0.95–0.97). A Spanish pharmacoepidemiology study by Maciá-Martínez et al. (2024) — the source AEMPS communications typically cite — places the order of magnitude at one to ten cases per million users. At the higher end, Hedenmalm and Spigset (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2002), using Swedish spontaneous-report data from 1996–1999, estimated one case per 1,439 prescriptions (95% CI 1:850–1:4,684) — figures that contributed to Sweden withdrawing metamizole from the market in 1999.
The British dimension is the reason this drug appears in tourist-facing guides. From 2017 onward, a campaign by Valencia-based medical translator Cristina García del Campo collected 120-plus case reports of mostly British patients who developed serious side effects after Nolotil prescriptions in Spain, with a number of fatalities. Researchers at the Costa del Sol Hospital had earlier observed that metamizole-induced agranulocytosis appeared more often in British patients than in Spanish ones; Boehringer Ingelheim has stated that there is no scientific evidence that specific populations are more susceptible.
AEMPS responded with a 2018 safety review and updated prescribing guidance: metamizol should not be given to patients with a history of agranulocytosis, should not be used as long-term treatment, and should be prescribed cautiously to short-term visitors from countries where the drug is not normally available. The EMA's safety committee PRAC followed with EU-wide label changes strengthening warnings and requiring clinicians to instruct patients to stop the drug and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers.
14. Medications OTC in one country but Rx in another
The OTC/Rx line is regulatory, not pharmacological. The same molecule at the same dose can be a supermarket purchase in one country and a controlled medication in another. The patterns that catch tourists in Spain:
| Medication | Status in Spain | Status in US | Status in UK | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codeine combinations | Rx, always | Rx (Tylenol with Codeine) | OTC: co-codamol 8/500, Nurofen Plus, Solpadeine (P-medicine) | British visitors cannot replenish co-codamol at a Spanish pharmacy counter. |
| Salbutamol inhaler | Rx (some pharmacies still sell without) | Rx | Rx | Bring a backup; replacement requires a Spanish prescription. |
| Sildenafil 50 mg | Rx | Rx | OTC at pharmacy (Viagra Connect, since 2018) | UK travellers can no longer buy it off the shelf in Spain. |
| Fluconazole 150 mg (thrush) | Rx | Rx | OTC at pharmacy (Canesten Oral, Diflucan One) | UK women used to a single-pill OTC purchase cannot do the same here. |
| Ibuprofen 600 mg | Rx | Rx | Rx | OTC ceiling is 400 mg in Spain. |
| Omeprazole 20 mg | Rx (10 mg OTC; pharmacist discretion in practice) | OTC (Prilosec OTC) | OTC at pharmacy | Strict reading of Spanish rules requires Rx; practice varies. |
| Melatonin ≥2 mg | Rx (Circadin) | OTC (supplement, no FDA drug oversight) | Rx (POM, all strengths) | US visitors used to 5–10 mg gummies will not find them; Spain caps OTC supplement at <2 mg. |
| Levonorgestrel emergency contraception | OTC, no age limit (since September 2009) | OTC, no age limit (since 2013) | OTC at pharmacy after consultation | Easier access in Spain than most travellers expect. |
| Ulipristal emergency contraception | OTC (since April 2015) | Rx (ella) | OTC at pharmacy | US visitors can obtain ulipristal without a prescription in Spain. |
| Metamizol (Nolotil) | Rx | Not licensed | Not licensed | No US/UK equivalent; see dedicated section. |
| Domperidone (Motilium) | Rx | Not approved | Generic Rx | Returning travellers may struggle to find it at home. |
| Bilastine | OTC (20 mg) | Not approved (Hikma US licence agreement announced 20 September 2021) | OTC (Ilaxten 20 mg) | US visitors cannot find this antihistamine at home. |
Need a prescription in Spain?
PrescribeMe connects tourists and expats with licensed Spanish doctors. Online consultation, Spanish e-prescription sent to your phone.
Get a prescription → From €15 · Licensed Spanish physicians · Valid at any pharmacy15. FAQ
What is Tylenol called in Spain?
Tylenol is the US brand of acetaminophen, the same molecule Europeans call paracetamol. Spanish pharmacies sell it as Gelocatil, Termalgin or simply paracetamol genérico, normally as 1 g tablets — the Spanish standard adult dose. The paediatric drop formulation is Apiretal.
What is the Spanish equivalent of Advil?
Ibuprofen 400 mg, sold over the counter as Neobrufen, Espidifen (a fast-onset mint sachet) or generic ibuprofen. The 600 mg version requires a prescription.
Is Nolotil safe?
For most patients in short-term use, yes — Spain has decades of clinical experience with it. The rare-but-serious side effect is agranulocytosis. AEMPS recommends caution in short-stay visitors from countries where the drug is not licensed. Do not self-medicate with Nolotil after returning home where no doctor will monitor for blood reactions.
Is paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Yes. Two names, one molecule (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol). Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol, Gelocatil and Termalgin all contain it.
Can I bring my own medication to Spain?
Yes, in personal-use quantities for the duration of your trip. Keep it in original packaging and bring the prescription or a doctor's letter. Controlled substances (strong opioids, ADHD stimulants, certain benzodiazepines) may need a Schengen certificate from your home country pharmacy or a customs declaration on arrival.
Will Spanish pharmacies recognise my US or UK medication?
Almost always, by active ingredient rather than brand. Atorvastatin is atorvastatina, sertraline is sertralina, amoxicillin is amoxicilina — the Spanish word is usually obvious. Hand the pharmacist the original box.
What if I forget my prescription medication and need a refill in Spain?
You will need a Spanish prescription. Options are a public Centro de Salud appointment (cheapest if you have a European Health Insurance Card), a private GP visit, or a telemedicine consultation such as PrescribeMe from €15. Bring photos of the medication box and your home prescription to speed up the consultation.
Are Spanish generics the same quality as US or UK brands?
Yes. Spanish generics carry the EFG mark (Equivalente Farmacéutico Genérico) and must demonstrate bioequivalence under EMA standards. Most are made by the same multinational generic manufacturers (Sandoz, Teva, Mylan/Viatris, Stada, Cinfa, Normon) that supply the UK NHS and US pharmacies.
Salbutamol or albuterol?
The same molecule. Albuterol is the US adopted name; salbutamol is used everywhere else. Ventolin is the dominant brand in both Spain and the UK. ProAir and Proventil are US-only brand names that do not exist in Spanish pharmacies.
What is the Spanish equivalent of Plan B?
Plan B One-Step is levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. In Spain, the same drug is sold over the counter as Norlevo or Postinor, no prescription and no age restriction. The alternative ulipristal acetate — sold as ella in the US — is sold in Spain as ellaOne, also over the counter.
Why does Spain sell paracetamol 1 g when the US uses 500 mg?
The AEMPS-approved adult label for 1 g paracetamol (for example Gelocatil 1 g) permits 1 g per dose up to 3 g per day. US OTC labels cap single doses at 325–500 mg, largely to limit acetaminophen overdose risk in a population accustomed to self-medication. The pharmacology is identical; the convention is regulatory.
How do I know if a Spanish medication is the same as my home one?
Match the active ingredient and strength on the box, not the brand. The AEMPS database CIMA at cima.aemps.es lists every medicine sold in Spain by molecule, with downloadable patient leaflets. Vademecum.es also publishes international equivalence tables.
16. What is genuinely ambiguous, recently changed, or contested
The honest answer to a few common questions is "it depends" or "it changed recently". Flagging these explicitly:
Nolotil safety in British and Northern European patients. The AEMPS-led safety reviews tightened prescribing in 2018 and the EMA/PRAC has strengthened EU-wide warnings since. Whether genuine ethnic susceptibility exists, or whether the apparent over-representation of British cases reflects reporting bias from a large British expatriate population unfamiliar with the drug's risks, is not settled in the published literature. Treat the practical guidance — short-term use only, vigilant monitoring for fever and sore throat — as the operative rule.
Salbutamol inhaler OTC status. Salbutamol inhalers are technically prescription-only across Spain, but historical pharmacy practice in tourist areas has often allowed sale without a prescription. Enforcement has tightened. Do not rely on being able to buy one over the counter, particularly outside coastal tourist towns.
Omeprazole 20 mg OTC status. Strict reading of AEMPS rules makes 20 mg omeprazole a prescription product (only 10 mg is licensed OTC). In practice many Spanish pharmacies dispense 20 mg without seeing a prescription. This is pharmacist discretion, not a national policy, and may change.
EpiPen availability. The Mylan/Viatris EpiPen is not the dominant adrenaline auto-injector in Spain. Altellus and Jext (both ALK-Abelló) and Anapen (Bioprojet) are the marketed devices. The Bayer/Bausch+Lomb Emerade auto-injector was withdrawn from the Spanish market in 2023 over a device quality issue. UK travellers carrying EpiPens should familiarise themselves with the Spanish device design before relying on it.
Ranitidine. Ranitidine (Zantac) was withdrawn worldwide in 2019–2020 over NDMA contamination concerns and remains off the market in Spain, the US and the UK. Famotidine has replaced it as the standard H2 blocker.
Domperidone (Motilium). The EMA's PRAC restricted domperidone across the EU on 7 March 2014: limited to nausea and vomiting, maximum 30 mg per day, maximum seven days of treatment, because of QT prolongation and arrhythmia risk. Not FDA-approved in the United States.
Metoclopramide (Primperan / Reglan). EMA limited it to short-term use (up to 5 days) in 2013 because of the risk of neurological side effects. Long-term use is no longer recommended.
Atorvastatin patent. Pfizer's US compound patent on atorvastatin (Lipitor) expired on 30 November 2011, opening the US market to generic atorvastatin. In Spain, generic competition arrived earlier (Actavis launched atorvastatin magnesium in October 2009 against Pfizer's Cardyl/Zarator); the calcium-salt patent expired in July 2010.
Fluticasone propionate inhalers in the US. GSK discontinued the originator Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus in the US in January 2024, replacing them with an authorised generic fluticasone propionate. The molecule is unchanged; the brand-name product is gone.