How to find medication at a pharmacy in Vietnam when you don't know the local name?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 21 days ago

TL;DR

Show the pharmacist the Vietnamese translation of the medication name using a translator app. For allergies, tablets work better than creams. Some drugs like nitroxoline may be sold under different brand names — search by active ingredient.

What the community said

For itching, an allergic reaction, or insect bites, enter the Vietnamese words for “allergy” and “bites” in a translator and show them to the pharmacist; a pharmacy outside the tourist area is recommended.

42 days ago Pharmacy outside the tourist area

If you need acyclovir, show the pharmacist its Vietnamese name and ask for tablets or ointment. The message recommends looking outside the Sapphire pharmacy.

39 days ago Acyclovir tablets or ointment; not Sapphire

The word 'paracetamol' is understood literally, without translation, in any pharmacy in Vietnam — you can just say the international drug name as-is.

Paracetamol — international name works without translation

Nitroxoline was not found in three pharmacies in Nha Trang — staff didn't recognize the name. Try searching by the active ingredient (INN) rather than the brand name.

Nitroxoline — search by active ingredient

For allergy medication, show the pharmacist the word 'allergy' translated into Vietnamese — they will recommend suitable antihistamine tablets. Topical creams for allergies are generally ineffective here.

Show 'allergy' in Vietnamese at the pharmacy

Travelers recommend buying certain medications in Vietnam to take home — they are cheaper and often effective. Ask locals or expat communities for specific recommendations.