Over the Counter Medication

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Over the Counter Medication in the Netherlands for Adults

Your local pharmacy is called an apotheek and this is where your doctor’s (huisarts) prescription medications can be given too. In Amsterdam, the “DA Apotheek “ located at the Leidsestraat 74-76 is open 24 hours a day. A drugstore (drogist) is not a pharmacy. Etos, DA and Kruidvat are some of the Dutch drugstore chains and they only sell over the counter medications.

• Ibuprofen (advil) – read the dosage.
• Paracetamol to reduce fever. – Ask about the dosage (mg)
• Hot Coldrex – Acetaminophen in a hot, lemon flavor drink.
• Bisolvon Drank – cough syrup for adults, no sugar, decongestant
• Dampo (vicks vapor rub) similar to Vicks vapor rub.
• Fenistil wondgel direct use on minor burns

Over the Counter Medication in the Netherlands for Babies and Children

• Gendenatureerde Alcohol 70% use after use of your thermometer
• KinderParacetamol to reduce fever for children. Depending on the age of your baby or child, ask them about the dosage (mg).
• Bisolvon Drank for children – cough syrup, no sugar, decongestant, ask about the dosage for your child.
• Dampo or LUUF - similar to Vicks vapor rub.
• Baby Otrivin neuspray – salt water nose spray as of 0 years old.
• Otrivin neuspray - salt water nose spray
• Dentitox teething gel (Ambesol) no sugar or additives
• Sudacream – baby diaper rash

VSM is a homeopathic brand available at most drugstores.

• VSM Calendulan for baby diaper rash
• VSM Arniflor Gelei (Arnicare) contains arnica, calendula to prevent bruising/swelling.
• VSM Spiroflor Gelei – for muscle and joint pain
• VSM Calendulan Zalf helps lock in the moisture after a bath.
• VSM Cardiflor Emulsie for eczema. For extreme eczema visit your doctor and you may be given a prescription for “vaselinelanette crème FNA”, then the heavier crème is paid by your health care provider.