Free guide · Level A2
The pharmacy in Spain: how to ask for something for a symptom and understand the instructions
In Spain many people go to the pharmacy first with a small problem: a cold, a cough, a sore throat. The pharmacist listens, gives advice and tells you how to take it. With a few phrases you can ask for what you need and understand the instructions.
Asking at the pharmacy
Quería algo para el dolor de garganta.I'd like something for a sore throat. To ask for help with a symptom
¿Qué me recomienda?What do you recommend? To ask the pharmacist for advice
¿Se puede comprar sin receta?Can it be bought without a prescription? To find out whether you need one
Necesito el medicamento de esta receta.I need the medicine on this prescription. When you bring the doctor's prescription
Watch out for thisIn English you say «prescription»; the everyday Spanish word is receta («prescripción» sounds technical). And a «droguería» is not a drugstore: it sells cleaning products. Medicines are bought in the «farmacia».
Understanding the instructions
Una pastilla cada ocho horas.One pill every eight hours. «Cada» + time: how often
Dos veces al día.Twice a day. How many times in a day
Antes de las comidas. / Después de las comidas.Before meals. / After meals. When, in relation to meals
Durante cinco días.For five days. How long to carry on
Watch out for thisThese phrases are here so you can understand. The amount and how often are always decided by the doctor or the pharmacist, and are in the leaflet. If you're not sure, ask.
Three words that will help
- →La receta: the doctor's document that lets you get some medicines (the prescription).
- →El prospecto: the leaflet with the instructions inside the box.
- →La farmacia de guardia: the one open at night or on public holidays.