📚 Spanish Prescription and OTC Medication Guide for International Students | 西班牙留学药品购买与使用指南
Moving to Spain for your studies is an exciting adventure, but navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting. This guide explains how to purchase over‑the‑counter and prescription medications safely and legally during your stay, covering pharmacy culture, insurance requirements and practical vocabulary.
前往西班牙留学是一段激动人心的旅程，但适应陌生的医疗体系可能让人望而生畏。本指南将讲解如何在停留期间安全、合法地购买非处方药和处方药，涵盖药房文化、保险要求以及实用词汇。
1. Understanding Spain's Pharmacy System | 了解西班牙药房体系
In Spain, pharmacies (farmacias) are much more than retail outlets. Marked by a bright green cross that often flashes, they are highly regulated health centres where the farmacéutico (pharmacist) acts as the first point of contact for minor ailments. You will not find painkillers, cold remedies or even nutritional supplements in a supermarket; almost all medicines must be bought through a farmacia. Pharmacists are trained to assess symptoms, recommend appropriate over‑the‑counter (OTC) products and, when necessary, advise you to see a médico (doctor). The system is designed to ensure patient safety and to prevent self‑medication with inappropriate drugs.
在西班牙，药房（farmacias）远不止是零售店。药房通常以闪烁的绿色十字为标志，是受到严格监管的健康中心，药剂师（farmacéutico）是轻微病症的第一接触点。你不会在超市里找到止痛药、感冒药甚至营养补充剂；几乎所有药品都必须通过药房购买。药剂师经过培训，能评估症状、推荐合适的非处方（OTC）产品，并在必要时建议你去看医生（médico）。该体系旨在确保患者安全，并防止使用不当药物进行自我治疗。
Every neighbourhood has at least one farmacia, and they operate on a duty‑rota system for nights, weekends and public holidays. The pharmacy database is nationwide: if a medicine is prescribed electronically, you can collect it at any farmacia in Spain by showing your health card or private insurance details together with an identity document. Pharmacists also handle safe disposal of unused or expired medicines through the SIGRE recycling programme, an initiative that helps protect the environment.
每个街区至少有一家药房，它们按照值班表制度在夜间、周末和公共假日营业。药房数据库是全国联网的：如果药品是通过电子处方开具的，你可以凭健康卡或私人保险信息以及身份证明，在西班牙任何一家药房取药。药剂师还通过SIGRE回收计划处理未使用或过期药品的安全处置，这一举措有助于保护环境。
2. Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Medications | 非处方药
OTC medicines in Spain are classified as 'medicamentos publicitarios' (those that can be advertised) or 'medicamentos no sujetos a prescripción médica'. Common examples include paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain and fever, ibuprofeno for inflammation, loperamida for diarrhoea and antihistamínicos such as loratadina for allergies. Acid‑reflux remedies like omeprazol are also available without a prescription, but the pharmacist will often ask questions about your symptoms before dispensing them. Brand names differ from those in the UK or the US; for instance, Efferalgan and Gelocatil are popular paracetamol brands, while Nurofen is also widely sold as an ibuprofen brand.
西班牙的非处方药分为“可广告药品”或“无需医生处方的药品”。常见的例子包括：用于止痛退烧的对乙酰氨基酚（paracetamol）、消炎的布洛芬（ibuprofeno）、止泻的洛哌丁胺（loperamida），以及抗过敏的氯雷他定（loratadina）等抗组胺药。像奥美拉唑（omeprazol）这样的胃酸反流药物也无须处方即可购买，但药剂师在发售前通常会就症状进行询问。药品品牌名称与英国或美国不同；例如，Efferalgan 和 Gelocatil 是常见的扑热息痛品牌，而 Nurofen 作为布洛芬品牌也广泛销售。
Despite being OTC, many medicines are kept behind the counter. You need to ask the pharmacist directly, and they may refuse the sale if they believe the medication is inappropriate for your condition or if you are taking other drugs that could interact. Vitamins, herbal remedies and dermocosmetic products are also typically sold in farmacias, often with advice on usage. Always read the prospecto (patient information leaflet) inside the box, which is provided in Spanish but can be understood with basic knowledge or a translation app.
尽管是非处方药，许多药品仍然存放在柜台后方。你需要直接向药剂师询问，如果他们认为该药物不适合你的病情，或与你正在服用的其他药物可能产生相互作用，他们可能会拒绝出售。维生素、草药和药妆产品通常也在药房出售，并附有使用建议。务必阅读药盒内的说明书（prospecto），它是西班牙语的，但凭借基础知识或翻译应用程序可以理解。
3. Prescription Medications and Doctor Visits | 处方药与医生就诊
Medicines that require a receta médica (prescription) include antibiotics, antidepressants, strong painkillers (opioids), contraceptives and most treatments for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or hypertension. A prescription must be issued by a registered Spanish doctor, either through the public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) or a private practitioner. Electronic prescriptions (receta electrónica) are standard: your doctor loads the prescription onto your health card, and you can withdraw the medication at any farmacia. For repeat prescriptions, the system allows up to several months' supply to be dispensed in instalments, but you must collect each instalment within a specified window.
需要医生处方（receta médica）的药品包括抗生素、抗抑郁药、强效止痛药（阿片类药物）、避孕药，以及大多数针对哮喘、糖尿病或高血压等慢性病的治疗药物。处方必须由在西班牙注册的医生开具，可通过公共卫生系统（Sistema Nacional de Salud）或私人执业医生。电子处方（receta electrónica）是标准做法：医生将处方加载到你的健康卡上，你可以在任何药房取药。对于重复处方，系统允许以分期方式发放数月的药量，但必须在指定时间窗口内领取每一期。
Without a valid Spanish prescription, a farmacia cannot legally dispense prescription‑only medicines. International students often worry about accessing doctors; if you have public health coverage (for example, via the European Health Insurance Card or a Spanish social security number), you can visit a centro de salud (health centre) to see a general practitioner. With private insurance, you can book an appointment directly with a specialist or a private GP. Always explain your symptoms or ongoing condition clearly, and if you already know the active ingredient that works for you, mention it to the doctor. This can help avoid unnecessary substitutions.
没有有效的西班牙处方，药房不能合法发售处方药。国际学生常担心如何看医生；如果你享有公共医疗覆盖（例如通过欧洲健康保险卡或西班牙社保号），可以前往健康中心（centro de salud）看全科医生。持有私人保险则可直接预约专科医生或私人全科医生。务必清晰说明你的症状或持续状况，如果你已经知道对你有效的活性成分，向医生提及，这有助于避免不必要的替代药品。
4. Health Insurance for International Students | 国际学生医疗保险
Health insurance is compulsory for non‑EU/EEA students applying for a student visa, and it is strongly recommended even for EU citizens who want faster access to care. Two main routes exist: the public Seguridad Social system and private insurance (seguro privado). EU students with an EHIC (or its replacement, the GHIC) can access medically necessary state healthcare during their stay, but this does not cover routine prescriptions fully; only certain groups, such as pensioners, get free medicines. To access public coverage as a non‑working student from outside the EU, you generally need a convenio especial, a special agreement that requires payment of a monthly fee unless you are employed or have a family link to a contributor.
非欧盟/欧洲经济区学生申请学生签证时必须持有医疗保险，即使是欧盟公民，若想更快获得医疗服务也强烈建议购买。存在两条主要途径：公共社保系统（Seguridad Social）和私人保险（seguro privado）。持有EHIC（或其替代品GHIC）的欧盟学生可在逗留期间获得医疗上必要的国家医疗服务，但这并不完全覆盖常规处方药；只有某些群体，如养老金领取者，才能获得免费药品。作为非欧盟的无工作学生，要获得公共覆盖通常需要一份特殊协议（convenio especial），除非你受雇或有家庭成员缴纳社保，否则需按月缴费。
Most international students opt for private health insurance without co‑payments (sin copago). These plans typically cover GP visits, specialist consultations and a percentage of prescription costs, though you may need to pay for medication upfront and then claim reimbursement. When purchasing a policy, check whether it includes 'medicamentos' or 'farmacia' cover. Without insurance, a single GP consultation can cost between €40 and €80, and prescription drugs are charged at full price—often much cheaper than in the US but still a burden on a student budget.
大多数国际学生选择无共付额（sin copago）的私人健康保险。这类计划通常涵盖全科医生问诊、专科咨询和一定比例的处方药费用，不过你可能需要先垫付药费再申请报销。购买保险时，要查看是否包含“药品”或“药房”赔付。若无保险，单次全科医生问诊费用在40至80欧元之间，处方药按全价收费——通常比美国便宜，但对学生预算仍构成负担。
5. Bringing Medicines from Your Home Country | 从本国携带药品
You are allowed to bring personal medication into Spain for your own use, but certain rules apply, especially for controlled substances. Carry medicines in their original packaging along with a copy of the prescription (translated into Spanish if possible) and a letter from your doctor summarising your condition, the dosage and the active ingredient. For stays longer than three months, you may need to request a certificate from your home country's health authority for narcotic or psychotropic drugs. Spain's Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) recommends carrying only the quantity necessary for the duration of your trip, plus a small buffer.
你可以将自用药品带入西班牙，但有特定规则，尤其是对管制物质。将药品放在原装包装中，并携带处方复印件（尽可能翻译成西班牙语）以及医生出具的信函，概述你的病情、剂量和有效成分。停留超过三个月时，可能需要向本国卫生当局申请麻醉药品或精神药物的证明。西班牙药品和医疗产品管理局（AEMPS）建议仅携带行程期间所需的数量，外加少量余量。
If you take a medicine that is not licensed in Spain, check with the Spanish consulate before travelling; some common foreign drugs are classified differently. Once in Spain, never share your imported medicines with friends, as this could violate local laws. Also, for temperature‑sensitive medications like insulin, use a validated cool bag and declare it at security if required. It is wise to research the Spanish equivalent of your medication before you leave, so you know what to ask for in case of lost luggage or an extended stay.
如果你服用的药物在西班牙未获许可，旅行前应先咨询西班牙领事馆；一些常见的外国药品在西班牙的分类可能不同。到达西班牙后，切勿将你带入的药品分给朋友，这可能违反当地法律。此外，对于胰岛素等对温度敏感的药物，要使用经过验证的冷藏包，并在安检时按要求申报。明智的做法是在出发前研究你所用药品的西班牙等效药，这样在行李丢失或行程延长时，你知道该如何购买。
6. Common Medications and Spanish Equivalents | 常用药品及西班牙对应品
Familiarising yourself with the active ingredient names, rather than brand names, is the safest approach. The following table shows frequently sought‑after medications and typical Spanish OTC alternatives. Always confirm with the pharmacist that the product is suitable for your symptoms.
熟悉有效成分的名称而非品牌名称是最稳妥的方法。以下列出经常寻购的药品和典型的西班牙非处方替代品。务必向药剂师确认产品是否适合你的症状。
Pain and fever: paracetamol 650 mg or 1 g (brands: Gelocatil, Efferalgan). For inflammation: ibuprofen 400 mg or 600 mg (brands: Espidifen, Neobrufen). Nasal congestion: pseudoephedrine combined with paracetamol (brands: Frenadol, Couldina) or xylometazoline nasal spray (Rhinospray). Allergy: loratadine (Clarityne) or cetirizine (Zyrtec 10 mg). Gastrointestinal: loperamide (Fortasec) for diarrhoea, domperidone (Motilium) for nausea, and oral rehydration salts (Sueroral). Sore throat: benzydamine spray (Tantum Verde) or flurbiprofen lozenges (Strefen). Travel sickness: dimenhydrinate (Biodramina). Sleep aids: the mild antihistamine doxylamine (Dormidina) is available without prescription, but stronger hypnotics require a receta.
疼痛与发热：对乙酰氨基酚650毫克或1克（品牌：Gelocatil, Efferalgan）。消炎：布洛芬400毫克或600毫克（品牌：Espidifen, Neobrufen）。鼻塞：伪麻黄碱与对乙酰氨基酚复合制剂（品牌：Frenadol, Couldina）或赛洛唑啉鼻喷雾（Rhinospray）。过敏：氯雷他定（Clarityne）或西替利嗪（Zyrtec 10毫克）。胃肠道：腹泻用洛哌丁胺（Fortasec），恶心用多潘立酮（Motilium），口服补液盐（Sueroral）。咽喉痛：苄达明喷雾（Tantum Verde）或氟比洛芬含片（Strefen）。晕动症：茶苯海明（Biodramina）。助眠：温和的抗组胺药多西拉敏（Dormidina）无需处方即可购得，但更强的催眠药需处方。
For cuts, burns and skin irritations, povidone‑iodine (Betadine) and chlorhexidine (Cristalmina) are standard. Hydrocortisone cream (Hidrocisdin) is available OTC for mild eczema or insect bites but should be used sparingly. If a product is not visible on the shelf, simply ask '¿Tienen [active ingredient]?'. The pharmacist may suggest an equivalent.
对于割伤、烧伤和皮肤刺激，聚维酮碘（Betadine）和氯己定（Cristalmina）是标配。氢化可的松乳膏（Hidrocisdin）作为非处方药可用于轻度湿疹或虫咬，但应慎用。如果货架上没有某产品，只需询问“¿Tienen [有效成分]?”。药剂师可能会建议等效产品。
7. Pharmacy Opening Hours and Emergencies | 药房营业时间与紧急情况
Standard farmacia hours are typically Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:00, and Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 14:00. Hours can vary by region and season. Each farmacia displays a list of the farmacias de guardia (duty pharmacies) open during that night, Sunday or public holiday. You can also find the nearest duty pharmacy through the website of your local Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos, by using apps such as 'Farmacias de Guardia' or by calling the 112 emergency number, which can provide the address of the nearest open farmacia.
药房的标准营业时间通常为周一至周五9:30至14:00和16:30至20:00，周六上午9:30至14:00。各地和季节会有所差异。每家药房都会张贴当晚、周日或节假日营业的“值班药房”（farmacias de guardia）列表。你还可以通过当地官方药剂师协会网站、使用“Farmacias de Guardia”等应用程序，或拨打紧急电话112，获取最近营业药房的地址。
For genuine medical emergencies, do not rely solely on the pharmacy. Dial 061 for health emergencies (ambulance) or go directly to the urgencias department of the nearest hospital. If you need a prescription refill urgently but your doctor is unavailable, explain your situation to the farmacéutico; in exceptional circumstances and for certain chronic medications, they may dispense a small emergency supply, although this is at their discretion and they will likely require you to visit a doctor soon afterwards.
遇到真正的医疗紧急情况，不要只依赖药房。拨打061呼叫医疗急救（救护车），或直接前往最近医院的急诊科（urgencias）。如果你急需续方但联系不上医生，可向药剂师说明情况；在某些特殊情况下，对于特定慢性病药物，他们可能会发放少量应急药品，但这取决于药剂师的裁量，且很可能要求你随后尽快就医。
8. Useful Phrases for the Pharmacy | 药房实用短语
Learning a handful of Spanish phrases can smooth the process and help the pharmacist provide better care. Even if your pronunciation is imperfect, making the effort is appreciated. Start with a friendly greeting: 'Buenos días, ¿me puede ayudar?' (Good morning, can you help me?). State your symptoms clearly: 'Tengo dolor de cabeza/fiebre/tos/dolor de estómago' (I have a headache/fever/cough/stomach ache). If you know what you need, you can say 'Necesito paracetamol, por favor' or '¿Tiene ibuprofeno?'.
学习几句西班牙语短语能使沟通过程更顺畅，并帮助药剂师提供更好的照护。即使发音不完美，努力尝试也会受到欢迎。从友好的问候开始：“Buenos días, ¿me puede ayudar?”（早上好，您能帮我吗？）。清楚说明症状：“Tengo dolor de cabeza/fiebre/tos/dolor de estómago”（我头痛/发烧/咳嗽/胃痛）。如果你知道自己需要什么，可以说“Necesito paracetamol, por favor”（我需要扑热息痛，请给我）或“¿Tiene ibuprofeno?”（您有布洛芬吗？）。
Phrases for prescriptions include 'Vengo a recoger un medicamento con receta' (I've come to collect a prescription medicine) and 'Tengo una receta electrónica' (I have an electronic prescription). Always have your health card and ID ready: 'Aquí tiene mi tarjeta sanitaria y mi pasaporte/NIE'. If you are unsure about dosage, ask '¿Cuántas veces al día debo tomarlo?' (How many times a day should I take it?) and '¿Antes o después de las comidas?' (Before or after meals?). If a drug is unavailable, the pharmacist may say 'No lo tenemos, pero puedo pedirlo' (We don't have it, but I can order it).
涉及处方的句子包括“Vengo a recoger un medicamento con receta”（我来取处方药）和“Tengo una receta electrónica”（我有电子处方）。务必准备好健康卡和身份证件：“Aquí tiene mi tarjeta sanitaria y mi pasaporte/NIE”（这是我的医疗卡和护照/NIE）。如果不确定剂量，可问“¿Cuántas veces al día debo tomarlo?”（我每天该吃几次？）和“¿Antes o después de las comidas?”（饭前还是饭后？）。如果某药缺货，药剂师可能会说“No lo tenemos, pero puedo pedirlo”（我们没有，但我可以为您订购）。
Finally, do not leave without clarifying potential side effects or interactions: '¿Tiene efectos secundarios?' or '¿Puedo tomarlo con otros medicamentos?'. A polite 'Muchas gracias, muy amable' ends the interaction warmly.
最后，离开前务必问清楚可能的副作用或相互作用：“¿Tiene efectos secundarios?”（有副作用吗？）或“¿Puedo tomarlo con otros medicamentos?”（我可以和其他药一起服用吗？）。一句礼貌的“Muchas gracias, muy amable”（非常感谢，您真好）能为交流温馨收尾。
9. Managing Chronic Conditions and Controlled Substances | 管理慢性病与管制药品
If you have a chronic illness, bring a comprehensive medical report (in Spanish or English) from your home specialist. Once in Spain, register with a local GP who can issue repeat prescriptions compatible with your ongoing treatment. For mental health conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety, note that some medications—methylphenidate, for example—fall under strict narcotics regulations. You will need a special prescription pad (receta de estupefacientes) and the pharmacy will record your ID details. Never attempt to bring a large supply of controlled substances without prior authorisation; Spanish customs may confiscate the medication and you could face legal consequences.
如果你患有慢性病，请带上本国专科医生出具的综合医疗报告（西班牙语或英语）。抵达西班牙后，在当地全科医生处注册，以便开具与你持续治疗兼容的重复处方。对于多动症或焦虑等精神健康问题，需注意某些药物（例如哌甲酯）受严格麻醉品条例管制。你需要特殊处方笺（receta de estupefacientes），药房会记录你的身份证件详情。切勿未经事先授权携带大量管制药品；西班牙海关可能会没收药物，你还可能面临法律后果。
For diabetes management, insulin and test strips are available at farmacias with a prescription. Pharmacies can also order specific brands of blood‑glucose monitors and sensors. Always ask whether your private insurance covers part of the cost of consumables. If you use an EpiPen (adrenaline auto‑injector), carry a letter and understand that Spanish equivalents like Altellus or Jext require a prescription. Keep an emergency card in your wallet stating your condition and the medication you take, both in English and Spanish.
在糖尿病管理方面，胰岛素和试纸可凭处方在药房购买。药房还可订购特定品牌的血糖仪和传感器。务必询问你的私人保险是否承担部分耗材费用。如果你使用EpiPen（肾上腺素自动注射器），请随身携带说明信，并了解西班牙的等效产品如 Altellus 或 Jext 需要处方。在钱包中放一张紧急情况卡，用英语和西班牙语写明你的健康状况和所用药物。
Published by TutorHao | International Student Health Revision Series | aleveler.com
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