Where to find a good pharmacy in Istanbul with European-brand medications, and what's worth buying there?

From messages by 4 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 9 days ago

TL;DR

Istanbul has pharmacies everywhere (look for the 'eczane' sign with a red cross), and most medications are sold without a prescription; travelers typically stock up on vitamins, omega-3, collagen, and local equivalents of motion-sickness pills like Dramamine.

What the community said

Popular pharmacy purchases among travelers include collagen supplements, omega-3, vitamin complexes, and antiviral medications — all available over the counter without a prescription.

collagen, omega-3, vitamins, antivirals

If you need European medication brands, look for larger pharmacies in central and touristy districts — they carry a wider selection than small local ones.

When asked for a good pharmacy, locals point to the red-cross 'eczane' sign — these are found on nearly every corner in the city center.

eczane (red cross sign)

For motion sickness, Turkish pharmacists can suggest a local equivalent of Dramamine with the same active ingredient — just ask at the counter.

Dramamine equivalent