Over-the-counter medicines in Egypt: what tourists can buy

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription. In Egypt, you can buy OTC medicines for pain, fever, allergies, a blocked nose and stomach upsets. Prescription-only medicines, such as antibiotics, need a doctor’s prescription.

Our pharmacists at Apteka Sharm help visitors to Sharm El Sheikh choose the right product, in English, Russian, Ukrainian or Italian.

What “over the counter” means

The US Food and Drug Administration says OTC medicines are safe and effective when you follow the label. In Egypt, the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) regulates medicines and classes some as non-prescription.

Egyptian law limits which medicines a pharmacist may give without a prescription. Rules differ between countries, so a medicine sold freely at home may need a prescription here.

Common holiday needs

These are examples from our shelves. Stock changes, so ask us what is in stock today.

Need	Example at Apteka Sharm	Good to know
Pain and fever	Adol (paracetamol)	Do not take it with other paracetamol products, such as some cold and flu remedies.
Allergies and itchy bites	Claritine (loratadine)	Non-drowsy, but some people still feel slightly sleepy.
Blocked or dry nose	Beegu sea-water nasal spray	Salt-water sprays rinse the nose. Decongestant sprays can make a blocked nose worse if used longer than the pack says.
Stomach upset	Oral rehydration salts	Fluids come first. Never give medicine to stop diarrhoea to children under 12.

If you are thinking about Antinal (nifuroxazide) for diarrhoea, first read what tourists should know about Antinal.

Brand names differ: look for the active ingredient

The World Health Organization gives each active ingredient one international name, often called the generic name.

For example, Panadol (UK) and Adol (Egypt) both contain paracetamol. Clarityn (UK) and Claritine (Egypt) both contain loratadine.

In Egypt, medicine boxes show the active ingredient, strength, expiry date and price in English and Arabic. Send us a photo of your usual box, and we will look for the Egyptian equivalent of your medicine.

Read the leaflet and ask first

Every medicine pack has a leaflet. Read and follow it, and ask us if anything is unclear.

Ask our pharmacist before you buy if:

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• the medicine is for a child
• you take other medicines
• you have a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure or liver or kidney disease
• you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine

Do not take an OTC medicine for longer, or at a higher dose, than the leaflet says.

Prescription-only medicines

Antibiotics and other prescription-only medicines need a doctor’s prescription. Antibiotics do not work for colds, flu or most coughs.

Bring enough prescription medicine from home, in the original boxes, with a copy of the prescription. If you run out, show us the box and prescription, and we will tell you what is possible. We accept prescriptions issued abroad, and our pharmacist checks each one.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or keep coming back. Our guide to pharmacy, doctor or hospital in Sharm explains where to go.

Why buy from Apteka Sharm

Registered medicines are sold at the official prices set in Egypt, with no tourist mark-up. See how our prices work. We have 5 pharmacies across Sharm.

Need help in Sharm?

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