Find the Egyptian equivalent of your medicine

To find the Egyptian equivalent of a medicine, look at the active ingredient, not the brand name. The same active ingredient is often sold under different brand names in different countries. Send us a photo of your box, and our pharmacist will look for the matching product in Egypt.

This service helps tourists who run out of a medicine or leave it at home. It also helps if you do not recognise the brands on our shelves.

Why brand names change between countries

Every medicine has an active ingredient and a brand name. Companies choose brand names, so the same product can have different names in different countries.

The active ingredient has an international name, called the International Nonproprietary Name (INN). The World Health Organization selects one INN for each active substance. It is recognised worldwide and is also called the generic name.

National names match the INN in most cases, with rare exceptions. For example, paracetamol is called acetaminophen in the United States.

Two examples

Active ingredient	UK brand	US brand	At Apteka Sharm
Paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US)	Panadol	Tylenol	Adol
Loratadine	Clarityn	Claritin	Claritine

These are examples only. Always compare the strength and the form as well.

What to send us

Send one of these on WhatsApp:

• a photo of the box, showing the name and the strength
• a photo of the leaflet
• your prescription, if you have one

Also tell us who the medicine is for and about any allergies. The more detail you give, the easier it is to find a match.

Strength and form matter too

The same active ingredient is not enough. The equivalent should also match:

• Strength: the amount of active ingredient, for example 500 mg per tablet.
• Form: tablet, capsule, liquid, drops, cream or spray.
• Release type: long-acting (extended-release) tablets are different from standard tablets.

Some products combine two or more active ingredients, for example cold and flu remedies. We check each ingredient.

An equivalent may look different. The colour, shape and packaging can change, and some inactive ingredients can differ between makers. Tell us about allergies so we can check the leaflet.

If there is no exact match

Sometimes the same active ingredient is not sold in Egypt, or not in the same strength. Our pharmacist will tell you if there is no exact match. Changing to a different active ingredient is a decision for your doctor.

Prescription-only medicines

Prescription-only medicines need a valid prescription, whatever the brand. Send or bring your prescription together with the box. We accept prescriptions issued abroad, and our pharmacist checks each one.

For children, pregnancy and long-term conditions, always ask a pharmacist or doctor first.

Why ask Apteka Sharm

• Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian.
• Registered medicines are sold at the official prices set in Egypt. You can check a medicine price before you buy.
• We offer free delivery to your hotel for orders from $30.
• See the over-the-counter medicines we stock.

Need help in Sharm?

Send a photo of your medicine box on WhatsApp or call +20 120 344 2201. Free hotel delivery from $30.