I need painkillers.
an-ti-do-lo-RI-fi-chi — six syllables. Stress on fifth syllable. Long word, say it slowly.
Ask at the pharmacy counter for pain relief without a prescription. Common OTC analgesics are freely available in Italian pharmacies.
'Antidolorifici' is the plural of 'antidolorifico' — from 'anti' (against) + 'dolore' (pain) + '-ifico' (making). The most common OTC painkillers in Italy: 'tachipirina' (paracetamol/acetaminophen), 'brufen' or 'moment' (ibuprofen), 'aspirina' (aspirin). 'Antinfiammatorio' (anti-inflammatory) is also used for ibuprofen.
Vorrei della tachipirina.
I would like some Tachipirina (paracetamol).
Tachipirina is the Italian brand name for paracetamol — extremely common
Ho bisogno di qualcosa per il dolore muscolare.
I need something for muscle pain.
Specify muscle pain — may suggest different OTC products
Avete del brufen senza ricetta?
Do you have Brufen (ibuprofen) without a prescription?
Brufen is the main Italian brand for ibuprofen — 200/400mg OTC, 600mg prescription
Italian pharmacists routinely recommend a 'gastroprotettore' (stomach protector, such as omeprazole) when dispensing NSAIDs like ibuprofen, especially for older patients. This proactive advice is considered standard practice. Italy has one of the highest per-capita rates of omeprazole use in Europe — partly due to this habit. 'Antinfiammatori' (anti-inflammatories) are among the most sold drugs in Italian pharmacies.