Common Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines in Chinese Pharmacies Guide

During your travel in China, pharmacies (usually marked with "pharmacy" or "drugstore") offer convenient access to over-the-counter medicines (no doctor’s prescription required). Below are common categories and specific medicine recommendations covering colds, external injuries, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other common travel issues.

1. Cold and Respiratory Medications

1. Cold Medicine
2. Banlangen Granules: Traditional Chinese medicine used to relieve mild cold symptoms (such as nasal congestion, sore throat).
3. 999 Cold Spirit Granules: A combination of Chinese and Western medicine containing antipyretic and analgesic components, suitable for fever and headaches caused by colds.
4. Tylenol (Tynol): Contains acetaminophen, relieving fever and pain associated with colds.

5. Day & Night (White Plus Black): Divided into day tablets (non-sedating) and night tablets (sleep-inducing), alleviating nasal congestion and runny nose.

6. Fever and Pain Relief Medication

7. Ibuprofen: Brand names like “Fenbid,” used for reducing fever, toothache, and muscle soreness.
8. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Brand names like “Bilin Tong,” suitable for reducing fever and mild to moderate pain.

2. External Injuries and Skin Care

1. Bandages
2. Yunnan Baiyao Bandage: Contains hemostatic components, waterproof and antibacterial.

3. Band-Aid: An international brand with various sizes available.

4. Disinfection and Anti-inflammatory

5. Povidone-Iodine Swabs: Individually packaged for portable wound disinfection.
6. Erythromycin Ointment: Prevents minor skin infections.
7. Mentholated Oil/Wind Oil: Relieves itching from insect bites or dizziness.

3. Gastrointestinal Discomfort Medication

1. Digestive Issues
2. Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets: Traditional Chinese medicine, relieves bloating and loss of appetite.

3. Ba Ji Pills: For abdominal pain, diarrhea, or motion sickness-induced gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Diarrhea

5. Smecta (Montmorillonite Powder): Physically stops diarrhea and absorbs intestinal toxins.
6. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Prevents dehydration and regulates electrolytes.

4. Allergies and Motion Sickness

1. Antihistamine Medication

2. Loratadine: Brand name “Claritin,” relieves hay fever, hives, and other allergy symptoms.

3. Motion Sickness Medication

4. Dimenhydrinate: Brand name “Yun Hai Ning,” take 30 minutes before car or boat rides.

5. Other Practical Medicines

• Lozenges: Such as “Golden Voice Throat Treasure” to relieve throat discomfort.
• Eye Drops: Artificial tears (such as “Ruizhu”) to relieve dry eyes or fatigue.
• Thermometer: Purchase electronic thermometers at pharmacies.

Purchase Channels and Precautions

1. Recommended Chain Pharmacies
2. Tong Ren Tang: A century-old brand offering a full range of traditional Chinese medicines.
3. Haiwang Xingchen, Dasenlin, Guoda Pharmacy: Nationwide chains with a wide variety of Western medicines.

4. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: 7-11, Watsons, etc., offer basic medicines (like bandages, painkillers).

5. Online Drug Purchases

6. Meituan, Ele.me: Delivery within 30 minutes (Chinese address required).

7. JD Health, Alibaba Health: Support English interface, allowing pre-orders to hotels.

8. Language Communication Tips

9. Carry the English name or ingredients of the medicine (such as “Ibuprofen”), or use a mobile translation app to display your needs.

10. Some pharmacy staff may understand simple English; some chain stores have English service manuals.

11. Important Reminders

12. Follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid overdosing.
13. Keep purchase receipts, as certain medicines may have restrictions when crossing borders (such as those containing ephedrine).
14. Prescription drugs (such as antibiotics) require a doctor’s prescription and cannot be purchased casually.