Medicine Finder
Look up Indian medications abroad — OTC/Rx status, local brand names, and country-specific pharmacy guidance.
For name identification only.
44 medicines found
Common painkiller and fever reducer
In Netherlands (NL)
Paracetamol PCH, Paracetamol Sandoz, Panadol
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
💬 “Ik heb pijnstillers nodig”
Say this at the pharmacy if you have a language barrier
Do not exceed 4g (4000mg) per day. Avoid alcohol. Check other medicines for hidden paracetamol.
Anti-inflammatory painkiller and fever reducer
In Netherlands (NL)
Advil, Nurofen, Ibuprofen PCH
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
💬 “Ik heb ibuprofen nodig”
Say this at the pharmacy if you have a language barrier
Avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney issues, or are pregnant. Take with food.
Combination anti-inflammatory and painkiller for stronger relief
In Netherlands (NL)
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (separate)
🏪 No fixed-dose combination available; buy both separately at Kruidvat or Etos
Do not exceed total daily paracetamol 4g. Take ibuprofen with food.
Pain reliever, fever reducer, and blood thinner
In Netherlands (NL)
Aspirine Bayer, Aspro
🏪 Available at Kruidvat, Etos
Do not give to children under 16. Avoid if on blood thinners. Can irritate stomach.
Stronger NSAID for joint pain, arthritis, and back pain
In Netherlands (NL)
Voltaren (topical OTC), Diclofenac (oral Rx)
🏪 Oral tablets require prescription; Voltaren gel is OTC at Etos/Kruidvat
Oral diclofenac requires prescription in most countries. Avoid if stomach ulcers or kidney issues.
NSAID for pain and fever — popular in India
In Netherlands (NL)
Not available — banned in EU
🏪 Nimesulide is banned/withdrawn in most EU countries due to liver toxicity. Use ibuprofen or paracetamol instead.
Nimesulide is banned or restricted in most Western countries due to hepatotoxicity risk. Use ibuprofen or paracetamol as safe alternatives.
NSAID for pain and arthritis, widely used in India
In Netherlands (NL)
Diclofenac (closest equivalent), Ibuprofen
🏪 Aceclofenac not available; diclofenac or ibuprofen are the closest OTC alternatives
Not widely available outside India. Consult a doctor for equivalent NSAID prescription abroad.
Used for menstrual cramps and stomach spasms
In Netherlands (NL)
Ponstan (mefenamic acid, Rx), Buscopan (dicyclomine equivalent, OTC)
🏪 Mefenamic acid needs prescription; Buscopan for spasms is OTC at Kruidvat
Mefenamic acid requires prescription in most countries. For period pain, ibuprofen (400mg) is a widely available OTC alternative.
Nasal decongestant for blocked nose
In Netherlands (NL)
Otrivin, Nasivin, Iliadin
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
💬 “Ik heb neusdruppels nodig”
Say this at the pharmacy if you have a language barrier
Do not use for more than 3-5 days continuously — can cause rebound congestion.
Cough syrup and cold relief — sedating antihistamine with cough suppressant
In Netherlands (NL)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Robitussin (Dextromethorphan)
🏪 Available at Etos or Kruidvat
Causes drowsiness — do not drive. Not for children under 6 years. Check for alcohol content in syrups.
All-in-one cold and flu tablet for fever, congestion, and runny nose
In Netherlands (NL)
Sinutab, Lemsip Max
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
Contains paracetamol — do not take with other paracetamol products. Not suitable for high blood pressure patients (phenylephrine).
Non-drowsy antihistamine for runny nose and sneezing
In Netherlands (NL)
Claritine, Loratadine Sandoz
🏪 Available at Kruidvat, Etos
Generally non-drowsy. Safe to drive. 10mg once daily is standard dose.
Non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and allergic reactions
In Netherlands (NL)
Allegra, Fexofenadine Sandoz
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
Do not take with antacids containing aluminium or magnesium — reduces absorption. 120mg once daily or 180mg once daily.
Antihistamine for allergies, hay fever, and hives
In Netherlands (NL)
Reactine, Cetirizine Sandoz
🏪 Available at Kruidvat, Etos
May cause mild drowsiness in some people. Take in the evening if drowsiness is a concern.
Sedating antihistamine for allergic reactions and urticaria
In Netherlands (NL)
Clemastine, Promethazine (similar, Rx)
🏪 Pheniramine not available; cetirizine (Reactine) is a better OTC alternative
Strongly sedating — do not drive. Avoid alcohol. Best taken at bedtime.
Leukotriene antagonist for allergic rhinitis and asthma
In Netherlands (NL)
Singulair, Montelukast Sandoz
🏪 Requires prescription (Rx) — see a GP
Prescription only. FDA has added a black box warning for neuropsychiatric side effects. Discuss with your doctor.
Fast-acting fizzy antacid for heartburn and indigestion
In Netherlands (NL)
Alka-Seltzer, Eno (imported at Toko)
🏪 Alka-Seltzer at Etos or Kruidvat; Eno at Toko (Asian grocery) sometimes
Do not use regularly if on a low-sodium diet. High in sodium — avoid in hypertension.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for acidity, GERD, and peptic ulcers
In Netherlands (NL)
Omeprazol PCH (OTC 20mg), Losec (Rx)
🏪 20mg OTC at Etos, Kruidvat for short-term use; 40mg requires prescription
Do not use for more than 14 days without medical advice. PPIs can mask serious conditions. Long-term use may reduce magnesium absorption.
Proton pump inhibitor for GERD and peptic ulcers
In Netherlands (NL)
Pantoprazol Sandoz (Rx), Pantozol
🏪 Requires prescription in Netherlands; use omeprazole 20mg OTC instead
Prescription required in most Western countries. Ask doctor for equivalent OTC option (omeprazole 20mg) if unable to get prescription quickly.
Anti-diarrhoeal medicine for acute diarrhoea
In Netherlands (NL)
Imodium, Loperamide PCH
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
💬 “Ik heb iets voor diarree nodig”
Say this at the pharmacy if you have a language barrier
Do not use if you have bloody diarrhoea or high fever. Max 16mg/day. Causes constipation if overused.
Electrolyte replacement for dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting
In Netherlands (NL)
Dioralyte, ORS Sandoz
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, pharmacies
Mix with clean water as directed. Do not add extra salt or sugar. Use full sachets.
Antibiotic for bacterial and parasitic gut infections (amoeba, giardia)
In Netherlands (NL)
Flagyl (Rx), Metronidazol PCH (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required — visit huisarts (GP)
Prescription only. Do not consume alcohol during treatment and 48 hours after — severe reaction. Complete full course.
Osmotic laxative for constipation
In Netherlands (NL)
Duphalac, Lactulose PCH
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
May cause bloating and gas initially. Takes 24-48 hours to work. Drink plenty of water.
Broad-spectrum antibiotic for respiratory, skin, and urinary infections
In Netherlands (NL)
Augmentin (Rx), Amoxicilline/Clavulaanzuur (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required — see huisarts (GP) or spoedeisende hulp (A&E)
Antibiotic — prescription only. Complete the full course. Inform doctor of penicillin allergy.
Macrolide antibiotic for respiratory, skin, and ear infections
In Netherlands (NL)
Zithromax (Rx), Azithromycine (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required in Netherlands
Antibiotic — prescription only. May cause QT prolongation. Inform doctor of heart conditions.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic for urinary, gut, and respiratory infections
In Netherlands (NL)
Ciprofloxacine (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required
Antibiotic — prescription only. May cause tendon rupture — avoid excessive exercise. Avoid antacids within 2 hours.
Topical antifungal for ringworm, athlete's foot, and candida
In Netherlands (NL)
Canesten, Clotrimazol cream
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
For external use only. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve. Different formulations for different conditions.
Antiseptic for wound cleaning and minor skin infections
In Netherlands (NL)
Betadine
🏪 Available at Etos, DA Drogist, pharmacies
Avoid on deep wounds or large areas. Do not use on thyroid patients. Can stain clothing permanently.
Soothing lotion for rashes, sunburn, insect bites, and chickenpox
In Netherlands (NL)
Calaminelotion, Zinkolie
🏪 Available at Etos, pharmacies
Shake well before use. Avoid eyes. Not a treatment for serious skin infections.
Topical antibiotic for skin infections, impetigo, and infected wounds
In Netherlands (NL)
Bactroban (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required — see huisarts
For skin use only. Not for eyes or inside nose without doctor supervision. Resistance developing — only use when needed.
Topical anti-inflammatory gel for joint pain, back pain, and sprains
In Netherlands (NL)
Voltaren Emulgel
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
Do not apply to broken skin. Wash hands after application. Avoid eyes.
Antiseptic liquid for wound cleaning and skin disinfection
In Netherlands (NL)
Cetrimide/Chloorhexidine solution, Dettol (sometimes at Toko)
🏪 Available at Etos or pharmacies
Dilute before applying to skin wounds. Do not ingest.
Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and screen fatigue
In Netherlands (NL)
Systane Ultra, Refresh Tears, Hylo-Comod
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
Remove contact lenses before use unless product specifies lens compatibility. Discard single-use vials after one use.
Ear wax softener to facilitate removal
In Netherlands (NL)
Cerumenex, Ear Care drops
🏪 Available at Etos, DA Drogist
Do not use if eardrum is perforated. Do not irrigate ears at home without advice if you have any ear pain.
Calcium and Vitamin D supplement for bone health
In Netherlands (NL)
Calcimagon D3, Calcium + D3 Sandoz
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
Take with meals for better absorption. Do not exceed 2500mg calcium per day from all sources.
B-vitamin complex for energy, nerve function, and overall health
In Netherlands (NL)
Vitamine B Complex (various brands)
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat, DA Drogist
Generally safe. Bright yellow urine is normal (excess riboflavin). Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
Vitamin C supplement for immunity and antioxidant support
In Netherlands (NL)
Vitamine C Sandoz, Redoxon, Etos Vitamine C
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat
High doses (>2000mg/day) may cause diarrhoea and kidney stones in predisposed individuals.
Vitamin D3 supplement — critical for NRIs in low-sunlight countries
In Netherlands (NL)
Vigantol, Vitamin D3 Sandoz, Davitamon Vitamin D
🏪 Available at Etos, Kruidvat. Very commonly used in NL due to low sunlight.
Most NRIs in Europe are deficient. Recommended: 1000-2000 IU daily. Blood test before starting high-dose (50,000 IU) therapy.
Neurotropic B-vitamin combination for nerve health and deficiency
In Netherlands (NL)
Neurobion (available at Toko), B1+B6+B12 complex
🏪 Neurobion available at some Indian/Asian grocery stores. Generic B-complex at Etos.
B12 deficiency is common in vegetarians/vegans. If severely deficient, injections (Rx) may be more effective than oral tablets.
Essential for pregnancy, cell division, and anaemia prevention
In Netherlands (NL)
Foliumzuur (Sandoz), Pregnacare (for pregnancy)
🏪 400mcg OTC at Etos, Kruidvat. 5mg prescription in Netherlands for high-risk pregnancies.
All women planning pregnancy: start 400mcg daily at least 1 month before conception and for first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Low-dose aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention
In Netherlands (NL)
Aspirine Cardio 100mg, Cardioaspirine
🏪 75-100mg available at Etos, Kruidvat
Do not take without doctor advice if not already prescribed. Can increase bleeding risk. Avoid if taking anticoagulants (warfarin, rivaroxaban).
ARB for hypertension and heart failure prevention
In Netherlands (NL)
Micardis (Rx), Telmisartan Sandoz (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required — see huisarts
Prescription only. Do NOT stop suddenly. Carry sufficient supply when travelling — contact your GP to transfer prescription abroad.
Calcium channel blocker for hypertension and angina
In Netherlands (NL)
Norvasc (Rx), Amlodipine Sandoz (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required
Prescription only. Ankle swelling is a common side effect. Do not stop suddenly — can cause rebound angina.
Beta-blocker for hypertension, angina, and heart rhythm control
In Netherlands (NL)
Selokeen (Rx), Metoprolol Sandoz (Rx)
🏪 Prescription required
Prescription only. NEVER stop suddenly — can cause rebound heart attack. Report any shortness of breath or slow pulse to doctor.