Italian Phrases: At the Pharmacy

Ha qualcosa per il raffreddore?

Do you have something for a cold?

Ask the pharmacist for cold remedies. The pharmacist in Italy is a qualified professional who can advise on non-prescription treatments.

Ho la ricetta del medico.

I have the doctor's prescription.

Present your prescription at the pharmacy counter. Always say this before explaining what you need if you have a prescription.

Quante volte al giorno devo prenderlo?

How many times a day do I need to take it?

Ask this when collecting medication — essential if the instructions on the box are unclear or in medical Italian.

Quali sono gli effetti collaterali?

What are the side effects?

Ask before taking any new medication. The pharmacist is required to inform you of common side effects.

C'è il generico?

Is there a generic version?

Ask for the generic (equivalente) version of a branded medication. In Italy, pharmacists can substitute branded drugs with generics unless the doctor specifies otherwise.

Ho bisogno di antidolorifici.

I need painkillers.

Ask at the pharmacy counter for pain relief without a prescription. Common OTC analgesics are freely available in Italian pharmacies.

Ha dei cerotti?

Do you have plasters/bandages?

Ask for plasters, bandages, or wound care supplies. Italian pharmacies stock a wide range of first aid materials.

Posso prendere questo insieme agli altri farmaci?

Can I take this together with my other medications?

Always ask this question when adding a new medication to existing ones. Drug interactions can be dangerous and Italian pharmacists are trained to check.

Ho bisogno di qualcosa per la diarrea.

I need something for diarrhoea.

Common pharmacy request, especially during travel. Italian pharmacists will ask about duration, other symptoms, and whether you have children.

Avete farmaci senza glutine?

Do you have gluten-free medications?

Ask if you have coeliac disease ('celiachia'). Some medications contain gluten as an excipient — a celiac patient must avoid these.

Ho bisogno di una pomata per la pelle.

I need a cream for the skin.

Request topical treatments for skin conditions. Italian pharmacies have extensive over-the-counter skin care sections.

Avete misuratori di pressione?

Do you sell blood pressure monitors?

Ask when you want to buy a home blood pressure monitor. Italian pharmacies also offer free blood pressure measurement at the counter.

Avete integratori di vitamina D?

Do you have vitamin D supplements?

Ask for dietary supplements. Italian pharmacies have extensive supplement sections and pharmacists can advise on appropriate products.

Può consigliarmi qualcosa per l'ansia?

Can you recommend something for anxiety?

Ask for OTC remedies for mild anxiety or stress. For more severe anxiety, a prescription medication from a psychiatrist or GP is needed.

Avete test di gravidanza?

Do you have pregnancy tests?

Ask at the counter for a home pregnancy test. In Italy these are sold at pharmacies and some supermarkets.

Qual è la farmacia di turno?

Which pharmacy is on duty?

Ask when you need a pharmacy at night, on Sunday, or on public holidays. Each area has a duty pharmacy rota.

Ho bisogno di insulina.

I need insulin.

Critical phrase for diabetic patients. Insulin requires a prescription in Italy but emergency dispensing protocols exist.

Avete soluzione per le lenti a contatto?

Do you have contact lens solution?

Ask at a pharmacy when you have run out of contact lens solution while travelling.

Ha qualcosa per le scottature solari?

Do you have something for sunburn?

Ask in summer at coastal or mountain pharmacies. Sunburn is very common among tourists in Italy.

Avete sali per la reidratazione orale?

Do you have oral rehydration salts?

Ask after vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, or fever. Essential for preventing dehydration.

Ha qualcosa per dormire senza ricetta?

Do you have something to help sleep without a prescription?

Ask for OTC sleep aids. Italian pharmacists will distinguish between occasional insomnia and chronic sleep problems.

Avete la pillola del giorno dopo?

Do you have the morning-after pill?

Emergency contraception request. The morning-after pill is available without prescription in Italian pharmacies for women aged 18 and over (and minors since 2019).

Ho bisogno di aghi per la penna d'insulina.

I need needles for my insulin pen.

A regular request for diabetic patients who use insulin pens. Pen needles are available without prescription.

Può misurarmi la glicemia?

Can you measure my blood sugar?

Ask at pharmacies offering health screening services. Many Italian pharmacies offer free or low-cost glucose testing.

Posso parlare con il farmacista in privato?

Can I speak with the pharmacist in private?

Ask when you have a sensitive question about medications, sexual health, mental health, or addiction. Italian pharmacies are required to offer privacy.

Avete rimedi omeopatici?

Do you have homeopathic remedies?

Ask if you prefer natural or homeopathic treatments. Italian pharmacies stock these alongside conventional medicines.

Grazie, è stato molto utile.

Thank you, that has been very helpful.

Say this when leaving the pharmacy after receiving advice and medication. Always appreciated by Italian pharmacists.