Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines: What You Can Buy Legally

Landing in Austria and realizing you cannot buy even a basic pack of Aspirin at a Billa or Spar is a classic expat rite of passage that feels unnecessarily restrictive. I spent my first Sunday in Vienna wandering around with a migraine, shocked to find every supermarket closed and every "drugstore" devoid of actual drugs. This guide explains exactly what you can buy legally over-the-counter and how to navigate the strictly regulated Austrian pharmacy system.

The Culture Shock: Why You Can’t Buy Aspirin at the Supermarket

If you come from the US, UK, or even parts of Scandinavia, you are likely used to picking up Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, or antacids while doing your weekly grocery shopping. In Austria, this is legally impossible. The Austrian healthcare system maintains a strict "Apothekenpflicht," which translates to "pharmacy obligation." This means that any substance classified as a medicinal product—even those that do not require a doctor's prescription—can only be sold within a licensed pharmacy (Apotheke).

The Monopoly of the Apotheke

The reason behind this strict regulation is rooted in the Austrian philosophy of consumer protection and public health. The government mandates that a trained pharmacist must be available to provide consultation for every single medicinal purchase. They believe that even "mild" drugs like Paracetamol can have dangerous interactions or side effects if used incorrectly. While this is great for safety, it is a massive hurdle when you are used to the convenience of gas station medicine aisles. When you enter an Apotheke, you won’t find rows of medicine bottles to browse. Instead, you will see shelves of high-end skincare, teas, and homeopathic remedies. The actual medicine is kept behind the counter, accessible only by the staff.

For a deeper dive into how these establishments function, you should read our guide on Pharmacies (Apotheken) and Medication Rules in Austria. Understanding the distinction between a "Drogerie" (like DM or BIPA) and an "Apotheke" is the first step toward successful self-medication. A Drogerie can sell vitamins, bandages, and herbal teas, but they cannot sell anything that claims to treat a disease or physiological condition, including basic painkillers.

Why Expert Advice is Mandatory

When you ask for a pack of Ibuprofen, don’t be surprised if the pharmacist asks you several questions: Who is it for? Is the pain acute? Are you taking other medications? In your home country, this might feel like an invasion of privacy, but in Austria, it is a legal requirement for the pharmacist to ensure you aren't accidentally poisoning yourself. They are highly trained professionals—often holding advanced degrees—and they take their gatekeeping role very seriously.

I remember once trying to buy a specific nasal spray I liked from home, and the pharmacist spent ten minutes explaining why the Austrian version was superior because it contained a different lubricant for the nasal mucosa. This level of detail is standard. It’s also why you’ll often see a queue at the pharmacy; each transaction is a mini-consultation. If you are struggling with a complex issue that OTC meds aren't fixing, you may eventually need to look into Finding Medical Care in Austria: Clinics, Hospitals, and Referrals to get a professional diagnosis.

Pain Management: Navigating Common OTC Analgesics

Pain relief is the most common reason expats seek out OTC medication. However, names you know by heart might not exist here, or they might require a prescription when they didn't back home. A major point of confusion for many is the status of certain brands. For example, Naproxen is widely available OTC in many countries, but in Austria, it is often strictly rezeptpflichtig (prescription-only) for higher dosages.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Variations

The two kings of the Austrian OTC painkiller market are Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. However, you won't find "Tylenol" or "Advil" on the shelves. Instead, you need to learn the local brand names. For Paracetamol, the go-to brand is Mexalen. It comes in various forms, including tablets, suppositories for children, and syrups. For Ibuprofen, you will often be given Aktren, Dismenol, or simply a generic version labeled "Ibuprofen" followed by the manufacturer’s name (like ratiopharm or G.L. Pharma).

There is a specific cultural nuance here regarding Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen: What to Ask For at the Apotheke. Austrians generally lean toward Paracetamol for fever and Ibuprofen for inflammation-based pain. One very important warning for expats from the US or UK: Parkemed (Mefenamic acid) is the "national drug" of Austria for pain, but it is strictly prescription-only. Do not expect to walk in and buy it over the counter, even though your Austrian friends will talk about it as if it's candy.

Aspirin and Topical Pain Relief

Aspirin is one of the few brands that has successfully crossed borders with its name intact. You can buy Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) in various forms: "Aspirin Complex" (for colds), "Aspirin Effect" (granules you swallow without water), and standard tablets. It is frequently recommended for headaches but rarely for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, which Austrian pharmacists will sternly remind you about.

For muscle pain, Austrians are big fans of topical treatments. Instead of just taking a pill, you will likely be offered Voltaren gel or Mobilat. There is also a strong tradition of "Heilpads" and heat patches. If your muscle pain is severe and OTC options aren't helping, you might need to check if you have your Austrian e-card: Registration, Photo Rules, and Usage Guide ready so you can see a doctor for something stronger.

Symptom	Common English Name	Austrian OTC Brand	Active Ingredient
Fever/General Pain	Tylenol / Panadol	Mexalen	Paracetamol
Inflammation/Pain	Advil / Motrin	Aktren / Ibuprofen	Ibuprofen
Headache	Aspirin	Aspirin	Acetylsalicylic Acid
Muscle Aches	Voltarol / BenGay	Voltaren Gel	Diclofenac
Sore Throat	Strepsils / Cepacol	Neo-Angin	2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol
Heartburn	Tums / Rolaids	Rennie	Calcium/Magnesium Carbonate
Hay Fever	Claritin / Zyrtec	Allegra / Cetirizin	Fexofenadine / Cetirizine

Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Relief

Winter in Austria can be brutal, and the "Grippaler Infekt" (the common cold/flu) is taken very seriously. The approach here is often multi-modal: you treat the throat, the nose, and the chest separately. Unlike the "all-in-one" nighttime syrups common in the US, Austrian pharmacists often prefer targeted relief.

Sore Throat and Cough Solutions

For a sore throat, the most ubiquitous brand is Neo-Angin. These are lozenges that come in several flavors and strengths. Another popular choice is Mebucaïne, which contains a mild local anesthetic to numb the throat. If you prefer something more "natural," you will be pointed toward Emser Pastillen, which are based on mineral salts.

Coughing is handled with a strict distinction between "dry cough" (Reizhusten) and "productive cough" (verschleimter Husten). For a dry cough, you might be given Silomat. For a productive cough where you need to clear mucus, ACC Akut or Mucosolvan are the standard recommendations. They are incredibly effective but should not be taken right before bed, as they will cause you to cough up the loosened mucus—something an Austrian pharmacist will be sure to warn you about in great detail.

Nasal Sprays and Congestion

Austrians are world-class experts in nasal sprays. You will find an entire wall of them behind the counter. Nasivin and Olynth are the heavy hitters for congestion. However, there is a strong awareness of "Privinismus"—nasal spray addiction. Most pharmacists will tell you not to use these for more than seven consecutive days.

If you have a cold that has settled in your sinuses, they will likely suggest Sinupret. This is a herbal-based tablet that is surprisingly effective at thinning mucus in the sinuses. It’s one of those "Austrian secrets" that many expats swear by after their first winter. If your symptoms escalate to a high fever or difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to contact Emergency Services in Austria: 144, Hospitals, and Crisis Steps for immediate assistance.

Digestive Health and Stomach Issues

The Austrian diet, while delicious, can be heavy. Schnitzel, Käsespätzle, and Sachertorte can take a toll on the uninitiated stomach. Fortunately, the OTC digestive shelf is well-stocked, though again, the brands will be unfamiliar.

Heartburn and Indigestion

If you suffer from acid reflux after a heavy meal, Rennie is the most common chewable antacid you will find. It works almost exactly like Tums. For something longer-lasting, you can buy low-dose Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Pantoloc Control (Pantoprazole) over the counter. In many countries, these are prescription-only, but in Austria, small packs for short-term use are legally available rezeptfrei.

For general indigestion or that "bloated" feeling (Blähungen), Antiflat is the standard. It uses Simethicone to break up gas bubbles. You might also be offered Iberogast, a herbal liquid drop that Austrians treat as a cure-all for any stomach-related discomfort. It’s a bitter herbal concoction, but it genuinely helps with functional dyspepsia.

Nausea and Motion Sickness

If you are heading into the Alps for a ski trip and are worried about the winding mountain roads, you’ll need something for motion sickness (Reisekrankheit). Vertirosan is the most common brand for this, usually containing Dimenhydrinate. It comes in tablet or gum form.

For general nausea or stomach flu, Paspertin used to be the go-to, but it is now strictly prescription-only in Austria due to side effect concerns. Nowadays, for mild nausea, you will likely be given herbal teas or ginger-based preparations. If you have a prescription from a doctor for stronger anti-emetics, make sure you understand How the e-Rezept (Electronic Prescription) System Works so you can pick it up without a physical paper slip.

Practical Logistics of Buying Medicine

Understanding what to buy is only half the battle; knowing when and where to buy it is the other half. Austria's shop opening laws are famously strict, and pharmacies are no exception.

Finding an Apotheke and Night Shifts

Standard pharmacy hours are usually Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Outside of these hours, including all day Sunday and on public holidays, pharmacies operate on a rotation system called "Bereitschaftsdienst" (emergency service).

Every pharmacy has a sign in the window (and often a digital screen) listing the nearest open emergency pharmacies. You can also find this info online or via apps. Be prepared: if you use an emergency pharmacy at night, you will be charged a Understanding the Apotheke Night Service Fee (Nachtdienstgebühr). This fee is around €1.30 to €3.80 depending on the time, but it is waived if you have an urgent prescription marked "expeditio nocturna" by a doctor. For more on this workflow, see our guide on Apotheken in Austria: Prescription Workflow and Night Shifts.

Buying Medicine Online Legally

Can you skip the pharmacy visit and order online? Yes and no. In Austria, you can legally buy OTC medicines from registered online pharmacies (like Shop-Apotheke or Vamida). These sites are great for stocking up on basics at a slightly lower price than the physical stores. However, even online, you cannot buy prescription drugs without a valid Austrian e-Rezept.

When ordering online, look for the EU common logo for online pharmacies (a green cross with a flag). This ensures the site is legitimate. Be wary of ordering medicine from outside the EU; Austrian customs are incredibly strict about importing medicinal products. To avoid having your package seized and facing a fine, check the rules on Bringing Foreign Medication into Austria: Customs Rules. Generally, you are only allowed to bring in a personal supply (usually 2-3 months) in your luggage, but mailing meds is a different legal minefield.

Bringing Medicine from Home vs. Local Alternatives

Many expats prefer to bring a "starter kit" of medicine from their home country. This is generally fine for personal use, but there are limits you should be aware of to avoid trouble at the airport or with the police.

Customs Rules for Personal Imports

If you are flying into Schwechat (Vienna Airport) with a suitcase full of Advil, you are technically allowed to bring what is considered "personal use" quantity. The Austrian Ministry of Health defines this as an amount that lasts for the duration of your travel or a maximum of three months for residents.

If you take chronic medication, you should carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note in English or German. This is especially vital for substances that might be controlled in Austria, such as certain ADHD medications or strong painkillers. If you are moving here permanently, you will eventually need to transition to the local system. Knowing How Long is a Medical Prescription Valid in Austria? will help you time your refills so you don't run out while waiting for your first appointment with a local Hausarzt.

The e-Rezept System and OTC Overlap

The Austrian e-Rezept system is fully integrated. Even for some medications that are "OTC," a doctor might still write you a prescription. Why? Because if the doctor prescribes it to treat a specific condition, the cost might be covered (minus the prescription fee) by your social insurance.

For example, a large bottle of high-dose Vitamin D might be expensive OTC, but if your doctor prescribes it due to a deficiency, you only pay the flat prescription fee (currently around €7.35). This is why it’s worth discussing even minor ailments with your doctor if you already have your Finding Medical Care in Austria: Clinics, Hospitals, and Referrals sorted. Often, the "prescribed" version of an OTC drug is cheaper and comes in a larger pack size than what you can buy rezeptfrei.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Regulations regarding over-the-counter medications and pharmacy laws in Austria are subject to change. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional or a qualified pharmacist in Austria before taking any medication. The names of brands and active ingredients mentioned are based on common availability in 2026 and may vary by region or pharmacy. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 144 immediately.