LIST: Over-the-counter Medicine and Where to Get Them in the Philippines
Updated as of February 27, 2025.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine are medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor or any other healthcare professional. These are readily accessible in local pharmacies, convenience stores, or even sari-sari (corner) stores. From common colds to headaches, and everything in between, OTC medicine have become a go-to remedy for many people. With their affordable prices and widespread availability, these medicine can be found in practically every household, and their popularity continues to grow year after year. Below are some of the most common OTC meds you can buy anywhere in the Philippines.
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Paracetamol
This is an OTC medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is commonly used for headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and fever. It can be taken even on an empty stomach, and consumed by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly.
Popular brands and where to buy: Biogesic, Tempra, Calpol, and Tylenol.
Ibuprofen
This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It is also used for headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. It is also sometimes used to reduce fever.
Popular brands and where to buy: Advil, Midol, Medicol Advance, and Alaxan.
Loperamide
Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication used to slow down the movement of the intestines to help alleviate diarrhea or or irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used for recurring or longer lasting diarrhea due to bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Popular brands and where to buy: Imodium, Diatabs, Lomotil, and Lormide.
Mebendazole
This is an anthelmintic medication used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms. This includes ascariasis, pinworm infection, hookworm infections, guinea worm infections, hydatid disease, and giardia. It works by stopping the parasitic worms from using sugar (glucose) to survive in the body.
Popular brands and where to buy: Combantrin and Antiox.
Cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. It is also sometimes used to relieve symptoms of hives.
Popular brands and where to buy: Ceticit, RiteMed, Allecure, and Virlix.
Loratadine
Like cetirizine, this is an antihistamine medication used to treat symptoms of allergies, including itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Popular brands and where to buy: Allerta, Claritin, TGP, and RiteMed.
Salbutamol
This is a medication used to relieve asthma symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Popular brands and where to buy: RiteMed and Ventolin.
Antacid
Antacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid, helping to relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset. Some antacids are also used in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets.
Popular brands and where to buy: Maalox, Tums, Gaviscon, and Kremil-S.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are supplements that provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals found in food and other natural sources taken to support general well-being.
Popular brands and where to buy: Enervon, Centrum, Stresstabs, and Neurogen E.
Topical ointments
Topical ointments are OTC substances applied directly to the skin to treat various conditions such as fungal infections, inflammation, rashes, wounds, and pain. Unlike oral medications, which work internally, topical ointments provide localized treatment and are absorbed through the skin.
Popular brands and where to buy: Terramycin Skin Ointment, Bioderm Ointment, and Dermatix Ultra Gel.
While these medications are available over-the-counter, it is still recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications. Always read the labels, follow the recommended dosages, and consult a nurse or doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medicine.
