How to buy common medicines at pharmacies in the UAE and ask for the right alternative?

From messages by 4 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 23 days ago

TL;DR

Pharmacies in the UAE are generally considered reliable for common medicines. Ask for the active ingredient rather than a familiar brand name; for example, Panadol contains paracetamol.

What the community said

Medicines in the UAE are considered good quality, so travelers can buy needed treatments from local pharmacies. Heartburn remedies are available as well.

23 days ago Heartburn remedies

When visiting a pharmacy, ask by active ingredient. Panadol is a brand of paracetamol, and the pharmacist can help choose a suitable formulation and dosage, including for a child.

27 days ago Panadol / paracetamol

A long-used pharmacy near a boat pier was noted for helpful service: the pharmacist suggests lower-cost substitutes instead of expensive products and may give children chewable vitamins or throat lozenges.

40 days ago Pharmacy near the boat pier