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Japanese medicine in English: OTC brands, doses and rules

Each product page translates its Japanese package insert (添付文書) line by line: what it is approved for, the dose, what not to do and when to ask for advice. Nothing on these pages is a recommendation of what to take.

Pharmacist only
第1類 · 要指導
要確認 age line
18
要確認 pack limit
5 days' supply (7 for colds)
Rules changed
1 May 2026

Follow the directions and dosage exactly.That line is on Japanese package inserts. Japan's tourism organisation JNTO advises asking a pharmacist or registered sales clerk if necessary.

Show

37 pages

Pain and fever4

EVE A, Loxonin S, Bufferin A and Tylenol A.

White tablets in blister packs on a peach-coloured background
Pexels / Etatics Inc. / Pexels License

  • EVE AイブA錠

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2

    Taking it to South Korea? The Korea Customs Service's press release of 17 July 2025 gives Japanese painkillers containing allylisopropylacetylurea, a psychotropic drug, as an example of medicine banned from being brought into Korea. EVE A's package insert lists allylisopropylacetylurea, 60 mg in 2 tablets.

    Ibuprofen per dose
    150 mg
    Adult dose
    2 tablets
    Doses a day
    Up to 3
    Age
    15 and over
    Ibuprofen 150 mg in a dose of 2 tablets, up to 3 times a day, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 2 tablets)
    Ibuprofen 150 mg, Allylisopropylacetylurea 60 mg, Anhydrous Caffeine 80 mg
    Listed for
    Relief of menstrual pain (period pain), headache, toothache, throat pain, joint pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, lower back pain, pain from stiff shoulders, pain after tooth extraction, pain from bruises, earache, pain from fractures, pain from sprains and pain from injuries. Reducing fever when you have chills/fever.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — イブA錠: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Loxonin SロキソニンS

    第1類医薬品 · Class 1Pharmacist only

    Loxoprofen Sodium Hydrate per dose
    68.1 mg
    Adult dose
    1 tablet
    Doses a day
    Up to 2, a 3rd if needed
    Age
    15 and over
    Loxoprofen Sodium Hydrate 68.1 mg in a dose of 1 tablet, up to 2 times a day, with a 3rd dose allowed if the symptoms come back, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 1 tablet)
    Loxoprofen Sodium Hydrate 68.1 mg
    Listed for
    Relief of headache, menstrual pain (period pain), toothache, pain after tooth extraction, throat pain, lower back pain, joint pain, neuralgia, muscle pain, pain from stiff shoulders, earache, pain from bruises, pain from fractures, pain from sprains and pain from injuries. Reducing fever when you have chills/fever.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — ロキソニンS: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Bufferin AバファリンA

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2

    Aspirin per dose
    660 mg
    Adult dose
    2 tablets
    Doses a day
    Up to 2
    Age
    15 and over
    Aspirin 660 mg in a dose of 2 tablets, up to 2 times a day, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 2 tablets)
    Aspirin 660 mg, Synthetic Hydrotalcite 200 mg
    Listed for
    (1) Relief of headache, menstrual pain (period pain), joint pain, neuralgia, lower back pain, muscle pain, pain from stiff shoulders, throat pain, toothache, pain after tooth extraction, pain from bruises, pain from sprains, pain from fractures, pain from injuries and earache. (2) Reducing fever when you have chills/fever.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — バファリンA: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Tylenol AタイレノールA

    第2類医薬品 · Class 2

    Acetaminophen per dose
    300 mg
    Adult dose
    1 tablet
    Doses a day
    Up to 3
    Age
    15 and over
    Acetaminophen 300 mg in a dose of 1 tablet, up to 3 times a day, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 1 tablet)
    Acetaminophen 300 mg
    Listed for
    1) Relief of headache, menstrual pain (period pain), toothache, pain after tooth extraction, throat pain, earache, joint pain, neuralgia, lower back pain, muscle pain, pain from stiff shoulders, pain from bruises, pain from fractures, pain from sprains and pain from injuries. 2) Reducing fever when you have chills/fever.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — タイレノールA: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

Colds and coughs3

Pabron Gold A Granules, Lulu Attack EX and New Bron Solution Ace.

A digital thermometer with a red display reading 38.0 °C
Wikimedia Commons / Karl-Ludwig Poggemann from Salzbergen, Germany / CC BY 2.0

  • Pabron Gold A GranulesパブロンゴールドA<微粒>

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2要確認 · Shop checks first

    Taking it to South Korea? The Korea Customs Service lists codeine and dihydrocodeine as narcotics. Pabron Gold A Granules contains Dihydrocodeine Phosphate.

    Acetaminophen per dose
    300 mg
    Adult dose
    1 sachet
    Doses a day
    3
    Age
    12 and over
    Acetaminophen 300 mg and Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 8 mg in a dose of 1 sachet, 3 times a day, ages 12 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains, in 1 sachet (0.96 g)
    Guaifenesin 60 mg, Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 8 mg, dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 20 mg, Acetaminophen 300 mg, Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2.5 mg, Anhydrous Caffeine 25 mg, Riboflavin 4 mg
    Listed for
    Relief of the various symptoms of a cold (cough, phlegm, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, chills, fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain).

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — パブロンゴールドA: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Lulu Attack EXルルアタックEX

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2要確認 · Shop checks first

    Taking it to South Korea? The Korea Customs Service lists codeine and dihydrocodeine as narcotics. Lulu Attack EX contains Dihydrocodeine Phosphate.

    Ibuprofen per dose
    150 mg
    Adult dose
    2 tablets
    Doses a day
    3
    Age
    15 and over
    Ibuprofen 150 mg and Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 8 mg in a dose of 2 tablets, 3 times a day, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains, in 6 tablets (adult dose for 1 day)
    Tranexamic Acid 750 mg, Ibuprofen 450 mg, Clemastine Fumarate 1.34 mg, Bromhexine Hydrochloride 12 mg, dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 60 mg, Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 24 mg, Thiamine Nitrate 25 mg, Riboflavin 12 mg
    Listed for
    Relief of the various symptoms of a cold (sore throat, fever, chills, headache, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, cough, phlegm, joint pain, muscle pain).

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — ルルアタックEX: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • New Bron Solution Ace新ブロン液エース

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2要確認 · Shop checks first

    Taking it to South Korea? The Korea Customs Service lists codeine and dihydrocodeine as narcotics. New Bron Solution Ace contains Dihydrocodeine Phosphate.

    Dihydrocodeine Phosphate per dose
    5 mg
    Adult dose
    10 mL
    Doses a day
    3, up to 6
    Age
    12 and over
    Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 5 mg in a dose of 10 mL, 3 times a day, and up to 6 times a day depending on the situation, ages 12 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 60 mL)
    Dihydrocodeine Phosphate 30 mg, Guaifenesin 170 mg, Chlorpheniramine Maleate 12 mg, Anhydrous Caffeine 62 mg
    Listed for
    Cough, phlegm.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — 新ブロン液エース: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

Allergies and hay fever3

Allegra FX, Claritin EX and Contac Z.

A path through a forest of Japanese cedar (sugi) in Tanzawa, Kanagawa
Wikimedia Commons / Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan / CC BY 2.0

Stomach and bowels5

Ohta's Isan, Cabagin Kowa α Plus, Seirogan, Loperamac Satto and Gaster 10.

Hands holding white tablets and a glass of water over a wooden table
Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya / Pexels License

  • Ohta's Isan太田胃散

    第2類医薬品 · Class 2

    Adult dose
    1.3 g
    Doses a day
    3
    Age
    8 and over
    On the box
    第2類医薬品
    12 active ingredients in a dose of 1.3 g, 3 times a day, ages 8 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 1.3 g)
    Cinnamon Bark 92 mg, Fennel 24 mg, Nutmeg 20 mg, Clove 12 mg, Citrus Unshiu Peel 22 mg, Gentian 15 mg, Powdered Picrasma Wood 15 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 625 mg, Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 133 mg, Magnesium Carbonate 26 mg, Synthetic Aluminum Silicate 273.4 mg, Biodiastase 40 mg
    Listed for
    Drinking too much, heartburn, stomach discomfort, weak stomach, heavy stomach, overeating, stomach pain, indigestion, promotion of digestion, loss of appetite, excess stomach acid, a bloated feeling in the stomach/abdomen, nausea (queasy stomach, queasiness from a hangover/feeling ill after drinking, feeling sick), vomiting, a feeling of something stuck in the chest, belching, a heavy feeling in the stomach.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — 太田胃散: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Cabagin Kowa α Plusキャベジンコーワαプラス

    第2類医薬品 · Class 2

    Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride per dose
    50 mg
    Adult dose
    2 tablets
    Doses a day
    3
    Age
    8 and over
    Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride 50 mg in a dose of 2 tablets, 3 times a day, ages 8 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 6 tablets)
    Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride 150.0 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 600.0 mg, Magnesium Hydroxide 210.0 mg, Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 1340.0 mg, Scopolia Extract 3-fold Powder 90.0 mg, Perilla Herb Dry Extract 20.0 mg, Magnolia Bark Dry Extract 15.0 mg, Powdered Swertia Herb 30.0 mg, Biodiastase 2000 24.0 mg, Lipase AP12 15.0 mg
    Listed for
    Stomach discomfort, weak stomach, heavy stomach, stomach pain, overeating, drinking too much, heartburn, nausea (queasiness, queasy stomach, queasiness from a hangover/feeling ill after drinking, feeling like vomiting, feeling sick), vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, excess stomach acid, belching, a feeling of something stuck in the chest, promotion of digestion, a bloated feeling in the stomach/abdomen, a heavy feeling in the stomach.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — キャベジンコーワαプラス: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Seirogan正露丸

    第2類医薬品 · Class 2

    Wood Creosote per dose
    about 133.3 mg
    Adult dose
    3 pills
    Doses a day
    3
    Age
    5 and over
    Wood Creosote about 133.3 mg in a dose of 3 pills, 3 times a day, ages 5 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 9 pills)
    Wood Creosote 400 mg, Powdered Gambir 200 mg, Powdered Phellodendron Bark 300 mg, Powdered Glycyrrhiza 150 mg, Powdered Citrus Unshiu Peel 300 mg
    Listed for
    Loose stools, diarrhoea, food poisoning, stomach upset from drinking water, vomiting and diarrhoea, loose bowels, diarrhoea due to indigestion, toothache from tooth decay.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — 正露丸: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Loperamac Sattoロペラマックサット

    第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2

    Loperamide Hydrochloride per dose
    0.5 mg
    Adult dose
    1 tablet
    Doses a day
    2
    Age
    15 and over
    Loperamide Hydrochloride 0.5 mg in a dose of 1 tablet, twice a day, ages 15 and over.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 2 tablets)
    Loperamide Hydrochloride 1 mg
    Listed for
    Diarrhoea due to overeating/drinking too much, diarrhoea due to getting chilled while sleeping.

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — ロペラマックサット: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

  • Gaster 10ガスター10

    第1類医薬品 · Class 1Pharmacist only

    Famotidine per dose
    10 mg
    Adult dose
    1 tablet
    Doses a day
    Up to 2
    Age
    15 and over and under 80
    Famotidine 10 mg in a dose of 1 tablet, up to 2 times a day, ages 15 and over and under 80.DetailsClose
    Contains (in 1 tablet)
    Famotidine 10 mg
    Listed for
    Stomach pain, heavy stomach, heartburn, queasiness. (This medicine contains an H2 blocker).

    Where this comes from

    Source: PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — ガスター10: package insert (添付文書)

    Open the full pagePackage insert in Japanese: PMDA

Patches and eye drops3

Salonpas Ae, Roihi-Tsuboko and Sante FX Neo.

A drop of water splashing up from a still water surface
Pexels / Mario Jr Nicorelli / Pexels License

Motion sickness and sleep2

Aneron Nyscaps and Drewell.

The Seto Inland Sea and a ferry's wake, seen from the deck
Wikimedia Commons / Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands / CC BY 2.0

Ingredients15

Ibuprofen, paracetamol (acetaminophen), loxoprofen, aspirin and 11 more.

Blister packs of tablets and capsules in many colours
Pexels / SHVETS production / Pexels License

  • Ibuprofenイブプロフェン · Advil, Motrin IB

    OTC products in PMDA search
    205
    In this database
    2
    US label: Advil Tablets
    1,200 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: EVE A, Lulu Attack EX. PMDA's OTC search: 205 products containing ibuprofen (excluding ibuprofen piconol, a different ingredient).DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    イブプロフェン
    Products here
    EVE A, Lulu Attack EX
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Paracetamol (acetaminophen)アセトアミノフェン · Tylenol, Vicks DayQuil Cold & Flu, Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu

    OTC products in PMDA search
    699
    In this database
    3
    US label: Tylenol Regular Strength
    3,250 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Tylenol A, Pabron Gold A Granules, S.Tac General Cold Medicine. PMDA's OTC search: 699 products containing paracetamol.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    アセトアミノフェン
    Products here
    Tylenol A, Pabron Gold A Granules, S.Tac General Cold Medicine
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Loxoprofenロキソプロフェンナトリウム水和物

    OTC products in PMDA search
    154
    In this database
    1
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Loxonin S. PMDA's OTC search: 154 products containing loxoprofen (including patches and creams).DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    ロキソプロフェンナトリウム水和物
    Products here
    Loxonin S
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Aspirinアスピリン · Bayer Aspirin

    OTC products in PMDA search
    43
    In this database
    2
    US label: Bayer Genuine Aspirin
    3,900 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Bufferin A, Bayer Aspirin (Japan). PMDA's OTC search: 43 products containing aspirin (including aspirin aluminium).DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    アスピリン
    Products here
    Bufferin A, Bayer Aspirin (Japan)
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Naproxenナプロキセン · Aleve

    OTC products in PMDA search
    0
    In this database
    0
    US label: Aleve Tablets
    660 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    PMDA's OTC search: no products containing naproxen.DetailsClose
    Japanese name
    ナプロキセン
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Codeine and dihydrocodeineジヒドロコデインリン酸塩 · コデインリン酸塩水和物

    要確認 ingredient

    Codeine in PMDA search
    2
    Dihydrocodeine in PMDA search
    397
    In this database
    4
    要確認 ingredient
    Yes
    In this database: Pabron Gold A Granules, Lulu Attack EX, New Bron Solution Ace. PMDA's OTC search: 2 products containing codeine (excluding dihydrocodeine) and 397 containing dihydrocodeine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    ジヒドロコデインリン酸塩 / コデインリン酸塩水和物
    Products here
    Pabron Gold A Granules, Lulu Attack EX, New Bron Solution Ace, Aneton Sekidome Eki
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Dextromethorphanデキストロメトルファン臭化水素酸塩水和物 · Robitussin, Vicks DayQuil Cold & Flu, Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu

    要確認 ingredient

    OTC products in PMDA search
    169
    In this database
    2
    US label: NyQuil Cold & Flu liquid
    120 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    Yes
    In this database: SS Bron Solution L, S.Tac General Cold Medicine. PMDA's OTC search: 169 products containing dextromethorphan.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    デキストロメトルファン臭化水素酸塩水和物
    Products here
    SS Bron Solution L, S.Tac General Cold Medicine
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Pseudoephedrine塩酸プソイドエフェドリン · Sudafed

    要確認 ingredient

    OTC products in PMDA search
    85
    In this database
    2
    US label: Sudafed Sinus Congestion
    240 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    Yes
    In this database: Pabron Rhinitis Capsules Sα, Allegra FX Premium. PMDA's OTC search: 85 products containing pseudoephedrine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    塩酸プソイドエフェドリン
    Products here
    Pabron Rhinitis Capsules Sα, Allegra FX Premium
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Diphenhydramineジフェンヒドラミン塩酸塩 · Benadryl Allergy

    要確認 ingredient

    OTC products in PMDA search
    682
    In this database
    2
    US label: Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs
    300 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    Yes
    In this database: Drewell, Restamin Kowa sugar-coated tablets. PMDA's OTC search: 682 products containing diphenhydramine (including creams and other salts).DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    ジフェンヒドラミン塩酸塩
    Products here
    Drewell, Restamin Kowa sugar-coated tablets
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Fexofenadineフェキソフェナジン塩酸塩 · Allegra

    OTC products in PMDA search
    39
    In this database
    2
    US label: Allegra Allergy 24 Hour
    180 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Allegra FX, Allegra FX Premium. PMDA's OTC search: 39 products containing fexofenadine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    フェキソフェナジン塩酸塩
    Products here
    Allegra FX, Allegra FX Premium
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Loratadineロラタジン · Claritin

    OTC products in PMDA search
    8
    In this database
    1
    US label: Claritin 24 Hour tablets
    10 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Claritin EX. PMDA's OTC search: 8 products containing loratadine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    ロラタジン
    Products here
    Claritin EX
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Cetirizineセチリジン塩酸塩 · Zyrtec

    OTC products in PMDA search
    2
    In this database
    2
    US label: Zyrtec Allergy tablets
    10 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Contac Z, Stonarhini Z Gel. PMDA's OTC search: 2 products containing cetirizine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    セチリジン塩酸塩
    Products here
    Contac Z, Stonarhini Z Gel
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Loperamide塩酸ロペラミド · ロペラミド塩酸塩 · Imodium A-D

    OTC products in PMDA search
    17
    In this database
    2
    US label: Imodium A-D Caplets
    8 mg
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Loperamac Satto, Tomedain Kowa Tablet. PMDA's OTC search: 17 products containing loperamide.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    塩酸ロペラミド / ロペラミド塩酸塩
    Products here
    Loperamac Satto, Tomedain Kowa Tablet
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Meclizine塩酸メクリジン · Dramamine Less Drowsy

    OTC products in PMDA search
    27
    In this database
    1
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    In this database: Travelmin 1. PMDA's OTC search: 27 products containing meclizine.DetailsClose
    On Japanese boxes
    塩酸メクリジン
    Products here
    Travelmin 1
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

  • Melatoninメラトニン

    OTC products in PMDA search
    0
    In this database
    0
    要確認 ingredient
    No
    PMDA's OTC search: no products containing melatonin.DetailsClose
    Japanese name
    メラトニン
    Open the full pagePMDA package insert search (Japanese)

Guides2

Buying medicine in Japan and taking Japanese medicine home.

A large くすり (medicine) sign on a Cocokara Fine drugstore in Kanda-Jimbocho, Tokyo
Wikimedia Commons / 運転太郎 / CC BY 3.0

  • Buying medicine in JapanClasses · pharmacists · 要確認

    Classes on boxes
    5
    Pharmacist only
    Class 1 · 要指導
    要確認 age line
    18
    Rules changed
    1 May 2026
    The class on the box decides who may sell it. From 1 May 2026, 要確認 medicines are checked before sale.DetailsClose
    Class 1, 要指導
    Pharmacist only
    Class 2, 3
    Pharmacist or registered salesperson
    Open the full page

  • Taking Japanese medicine homeSouth Korea · Taiwan · mainland China · Hong Kong

    Taiwan, per kind
    12
    Taiwan, in total
    36
    South Korea, in total
    6 병
    China, Hong Kong
    Reasonable quantity
    Taiwan: 12 per kind, 36 in total. South Korea: 6 bottles. Mainland China and Hong Kong: a reasonable quantity for personal use.DetailsClose
    With numbers
    Taiwan, South Korea
    Without numbers
    Mainland China, Hong Kong
    Open the full page

The class on the box

The class printed on the box decides who may sell the medicine and what the shop has to explain.

Chart of the five classes printed on Japanese medicine boxes and the 要確認 check mark

Chart: japan-japan.com, from the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and its Enforcement Regulations (e-Gov) and MHLW.

Classes of OTC medicine in Japan (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and Enforcement Regulations, checked 3 October 2026)
On the boxWho can sell itInformation when you buy
要指導医薬品 · Requires guidanceOnly a pharmacist may sell it.The pharmacist must give the information in writing and guidance, face to face or, from 1 May 2026, by video call.
第1類医薬品 · Class 1Only a pharmacist may sell it.The pharmacist must give the information in writing (on paper or on a screen). This can be skipped if you say you do not need it and the pharmacist judges you will use it properly.
第②類医薬品 · Designated class 2A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.The shop must try to give you the necessary information.
第2類医薬品 · Class 2A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.The shop must try to give you the necessary information.
第3類医薬品 · Class 3A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.The ministry's chart gives no duty to explain class 3 medicines when they are sold.

Buying it, step by step

Four steps for buying medicine in a Japanese drugstore

Chart: japan-japan.com, from the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and its Enforcement Regulations (e-Gov), MHLW and JNTO.

要確認 on the boxThe box carries 要確認 (check required). On packs larger than the quantity the ministry sets, 要 is circled or boxed. Under 18: you can buy one pack within that quantity, after a pharmacist or registered salesperson explains it face to face or by video call. Larger packs and more than one pack cannot be sold to you.

How many Japanese OTC products contain each ingredient

Results of PMDA's search of OTC package inserts on 3 October 2026, one search per ingredient.

OTC package inserts that list the ingredient (PMDA search, 3 October 2026)

Paracetamol699
Diphenhydramine682
Dihydrocodeine397
Ibuprofen205
Dextromethorphan169
Loxoprofen154
Pseudoephedrine85
Aspirin43
Fexofenadine39
Meclizine27
Loperamide17
Loratadine8
Codeine2
Cetirizine2
Naproxen0
Melatonin0

Source: PMDA OTC package insert search

Ibuprofen excludes ibuprofen piconol, a different ingredient. Codeine excludes dihydrocodeine. Loxoprofen and diphenhydramine include patches and creams; aspirin includes aspirin aluminium.

Painkillers: Japanese package inserts and US labels

The most an adult may take in a day under each product's own directions.

Bar chart of the daily maximum of ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin on Japanese package inserts and US labels

Chart: japan-japan.com, from the package inserts on PMDA and the labels on DailyMed (checked 3 October 2026).

Most an adult may take in a day: Japanese package inserts (PMDA) and US OTC labels (DailyMed), checked 3 October 2026
IngredientJapan: package insertUS: OTC label
IbuprofenEVE A: 450 mgAdvil Tablets: 1,200 mg
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)Tylenol A: 900 mgTylenol Regular Strength: 3,250 mg
AspirinBufferin A: 1,320 mgBayer Genuine Aspirin: 3,900 mg

Follow the directions and dosage exactly.That is the wording of the Japanese package inserts. Each number belongs to one product's directions.

Taking it home

Only Taiwan and South Korea give a number for medicine in baggage.

Chart of what the customs of South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong say about medicine in baggage

Chart: japan-japan.com, from the customs pages of South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong.

Medicine in a traveller's baggage: official customs pages (checked 3 October 2026)
Going toWhat the customs page says about medicine
South KoreaMedicine for your own use: 6 bottles (병) in total. Above 6, up to 3 months' supply by the directions. Gifts count as your own use, and the medicine counts towards the US$800 duty-free allowance.
TaiwanNon-prescription medicine: up to 12 bottles (boxes, cans, bars, sticks) of one kind and 36 in total, counted in original packs, for personal use only.
Mainland ChinaBaggage is limited to a reasonable quantity for personal use: the normal quantity for the purpose of the trip and the length of stay. Gifts for relatives or friends count as personal use. No number is given for medicine.
Hong KongMedicine in your personal baggage, in a reasonable quantity for your own use, is exempt from the import licence. No number is given.

South KoreaThe Korea Customs Service's press release of 17 July 2025 gives, as examples, Japanese painkillers containing the psychotropic drug allylisopropylacetylurea, US cold medicines containing dextromethorphan and supplements containing melatonin, and says these medicines and foods are banned from being brought into Korea.

From names you know to Japanese boxes

US brands and the Japanese products in this database that contain the same active ingredient. The amounts and doses differ; each product page has its own package insert.

US OTC brands (DailyMed labels) and Japanese OTC products with the same active ingredient (PMDA package inserts), checked 3 October 2026
US brandActive ingredientJapanese products here
Advil, Motrin IBIbuprofenEVE A, Lulu Attack EX
TylenolParacetamolTylenol A, Pabron Gold A Granules, S.Tac General Cold Medicine
Bayer AspirinAspirinBufferin A, Bayer Aspirin (Japan)
AleveNaproxenNone in this database. PMDA's OTC search: 0
BenadrylDiphenhydramineDrewell, Restamin Kowa sugar-coated tablets
SudafedPseudoephedrinePabron Rhinitis Capsules Sα, Allegra FX Premium
NyQuil, DayQuil, RobitussinDextromethorphanSS Bron Solution L, S.Tac General Cold Medicine
AllegraFexofenadineAllegra FX, Allegra FX Premium
ClaritinLoratadineClaritin EX
ZyrtecCetirizineContac Z, Stonarhini Z Gel
Imodium A-DLoperamideLoperamac Satto, Tomedain Kowa Tablet
Dramamine Less DrowsyMeclizineTravelmin 1
Pepcid ACFamotidineGaster 10

Photos on this page
Pain and fever: Etatics Inc. / Pexels License / Pexels (cropped)
Colds and coughs: Karl-Ludwig Poggemann from Salzbergen, Germany / 赤バック 体温計 (6048895685) / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
Allergies and hay fever: Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan / Tanzawa's Sugi forest (49442625462) / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
Stomach and bowels: Towfiqu barbhuiya / Pexels License / Pexels (cropped)
Patches and eye drops: Mario Jr Nicorelli / Pexels License / Pexels (cropped)
Motion sickness and sleep: Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands / Seto Inland Sea (6453367297) / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
Ingredients: SHVETS production / Pexels License / Pexels (cropped)
Guides: 運転太郎 / ココカラファイン神田神保町店 - panoramio / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy ibuprofen in Japan?

Yes. On 3 October 2026, PMDA's search of OTC package inserts returned 205 products containing ibuprofen. EVE A, for example, has 150 mg in a dose of 2 tablets.

Is Tylenol sold in Japan?

Tylenol A (タイレノールA) is sold in Japan as a class 2 medicine. Each tablet contains 300 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol); the package insert sets the adult dose at 1 tablet, up to 3 times a day.

What do 第1類, 第2類 and 第3類 on a Japanese medicine box mean?

They are the classes of OTC medicine. 第1類 (class 1): Only a pharmacist may sell it. 第2類 and 第3類 (class 2 and 3): A pharmacist or a registered salesperson may sell it.

Why can't I buy some medicine when the pharmacist is not there?

Class 1 medicines (第1類医薬品) and medicines that require guidance (要指導医薬品) can only be sold by a pharmacist. Class 1 medicines are shelved in an area shoppers cannot enter, or in a locked case or other place shoppers cannot touch. When no pharmacist is selling, these shelves are closed.

What does 要確認 on a medicine box mean?

The box carries 要確認 (check required). On packs larger than the quantity the ministry sets, 要 is circled or boxed. From 1 May 2026, medicines containing any of 8 ingredients are designated abuse-prevention medicines (指定濫用防止医薬品): ephedrine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, bromovalerylurea and methylephedrine, with their hydrates and salts. Medicines for external use are not included.

Can I take EVE painkillers to Korea?

The Korea Customs Service's press release of 17 July 2025 gives, as examples, Japanese painkillers containing the psychotropic drug allylisopropylacetylurea, US cold medicines containing dextromethorphan and supplements containing melatonin, and says these medicines and foods are banned from being brought into Korea. EVE A's package insert lists allylisopropylacetylurea at 60 mg per 2 tablets.

How much medicine can I take back to Taiwan?

Non-prescription medicine: up to 12 bottles (boxes, cans, bars, sticks) of one kind and 36 in total, counted in original packs, for personal use only.

Is melatonin sold over the counter in Japan?

On 3 October 2026, PMDA's search of OTC package inserts returned no products containing melatonin. Japan's health ministry lists melatonin among ingredients used only as medicines.

Where these numbers come from

Japanese over-the-counter medicines (20 products) and 15 active ingredients: active ingredients and amounts, approved uses, dose by age, warnings and the class printed on the box, translated from the package inserts published by PMDA; number of OTC package inserts per ingredient in PMDA's search; rules for selling them from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; limits for taking medicine home from the customs of South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong.

Download this data (CSV)

Doses, warnings and amounts are translated from the package inserts on PMDA's OTC search, checked on 3 October 2026. The rules come from Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, its Enforcement Regulations and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; the limits for taking medicine home from the customs and health authorities of South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong; US doses from the labels on DailyMed.

Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 3, 2026