Travelling in Taiwan is usually very easy when it comes to minor health needs. Pharmacies are common, convenience stores are everywhere, and many everyday medications are available over the counter without needing a prescription. Stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Watsons, Cosmed, and local pharmacies all stock useful remedies for common travel issues like headaches, allergies, upset stomachs, colds, and insect bites.
Taiwan also has excellent pharmacies, and pharmacists are often very helpful when explaining local brand names or recommending the right option. You will find both international brands and Taiwanese brands, often at lower prices than in the UK.
Below is a detailed guide to the most useful over-the-counter medication in Taiwan, where to find it, and what to expect.
Pain Relief (Analgesics & Fever Reducers)
Pain relief is one of the easiest things to find in Taiwan. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely available under familiar names like Panadol and Tylenol, along with local generic brands. It is commonly used for headaches, fever, mild pain, and general travel aches after long flights.
Ibuprofen is also easy to find in pharmacies and stores like Watsons and Cosmed. It is useful for inflammation, period pain, muscle pain, and stronger headaches. Some convenience stores may stock small packs, but pharmacies usually have better options.
Aspirin and naproxen are available too, although these are more commonly purchased directly from a pharmacy rather than a convenience store.
For muscle pain, joint pain, or travel aches, topical treatments are very popular in Taiwan. Tiger Balm, Salonpas patches, and cooling pain relief gels are all easy to find. Salonpas patches are especially popular for back pain, neck pain, and sore legs after lots of walking.
Heat patches and menthol rubs are also widely available and are often much cheaper than buying them at home.
Antihistamines (Allergy Relief)
Antihistamines are easy to buy in Taiwan and are very useful if you have hay fever, food allergies, insect bite reactions, or skin irritation.
Older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine are cheap and effective, although they can make you sleepy. They are often used for sudden allergic reactions or strong itching.
For non-drowsy options, look for loratadine (Clarityne), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Telfast). These are widely sold in pharmacies, Watsons, and Cosmed, and are usually inexpensive.
If you have eczema, rashes, or insect bite irritation, antihistamine creams and hydrocortisone creams are also available.
If you travel with severe allergies and carry an EpiPen, always bring your own supply from home. Adrenaline auto-injectors are not something you should rely on replacing easily abroad. My guide to flying with EpiPens breaks down how to travel safely with your auto-injectors.
Cold & Flu Medication
Cold and flu remedies are easy to find across Taiwan. Pharmacies carry a wide range of combination medicines for blocked noses, sore throats, fever, and coughs.
Panadol Cold & Flu, local cold tablets, and pharmacy-recommended flu packs are common. These usually combine paracetamol with decongestants and antihistamines.
For sore throats, Strepsils and local lozenges are sold in convenience stores and pharmacies. Throat sprays are also common.
For coughs, pharmacies stock syrups for dry coughs and chesty coughs, including expectorants like ambroxol and bromhexine.
Nasal sprays like Otrivin are easy to find for blocked noses, and menthol inhalers are also very common.
Taiwanese pharmacies are often excellent for cold and flu support too.
Antacids (Heartburn & Indigestion)
If too much night market food causes heartburn, Taiwan has plenty of options.
Gaviscon is commonly available in pharmacies and larger stores. Antacid chewable tablets and liquid antacids are also widely sold.
Eno-style powders and fizzy digestive sachets are popular for quick indigestion relief, especially after heavy meals.
For gas and bloating, simethicone products are common and often sold under local brands. Activated charcoal capsules are also popular for stomach upset.
Omeprazole and stronger reflux medications may also be available at pharmacies, but for long-term use it is better to ask a pharmacist first.
Motion Sickness & Anti-Sickness Medication
Taiwan has ferries, mountain roads, and winding transport routes, so motion sickness tablets are very commonly sold.
Dimenhydrinate (similar to Dramamine) is easy to buy and is often recommended for ferries, buses, and long coach journeys.
Meclizine is another option that may cause less drowsiness.
For nausea from stomach upset or food poisoning, domperidone and similar anti-sickness medications are often available through pharmacies.
Ginger tablets and ginger candies are also commonly sold and work well for mild nausea.
If you are heading to places like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or travelling by ferry to outlying islands like Penghu or Kinmen, it is worth picking some up in advance.
Diarrhoea & Stomach Upset
Traveller’s diarrhoea can happen anywhere, and Taiwan pharmacies are well prepared.
Loperamide (Imodium) is widely available and easy to buy without a prescription.
Oral rehydration salts are also common and very important, especially during hot weather.
Activated charcoal capsules are often sold for stomach upset, bloating, and mild food poisoning symptoms.
Pocari Sweat is one of the most popular electrolyte drinks in Taiwan and is sold almost everywhere, including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, supermarkets, and vending machines. Despite the unusual name, it is designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through heat, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, or long travel days. It is especially useful during Taiwan’s hot and humid summers, and many travellers grab a bottle when dealing with heat exhaustion, food poisoning, or just feeling run down after a busy day sightseeing.
Probiotics are extremely popular in Taiwan and are often used for digestive support, especially during travel when changes in food, routine, or mild stomach bugs can upset your system. You’ll find probiotic capsules, powders, yoghurts, and drinks like Yakult or similar local brands in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. They are commonly used to help with bloating, diarrhoea, recovery after stomach illness, and general gut health while travelling.
For stronger stomach infections, pharmacies may recommend additional medication, but it is best to speak to a pharmacist rather than self-diagnosing.
Constipation Relief
Travel constipation is common and easy to treat in Taiwan.
Fibre supplements are easy to find in Taiwan and can be very helpful if travel, diet changes, or long journeys leave you feeling bloated or constipated. Pharmacies often stock psyllium husk powders, fibre sachets, and digestive supplements designed to support regular bowel movements more gently than stimulant laxatives. They are a good option if you prefer to fix the cause rather than rely on stronger overnight laxatives straight away.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna tablets, and gentle laxatives are widely available.
Lactulose syrup and fibre supplements are also commonly sold in pharmacies.
For children, glycerin suppositories are often available if needed.
As always, start gently rather than reaching straight for stronger stimulant laxatives.
First Aid Supplies
Taiwan makes it very easy to restock a travel first aid kit.
Plasters, blister patches, antiseptic wipes, saline solution, gauze, and wound dressings are available in convenience stores and pharmacies.
Betadine and antiseptic creams are easy to find, along with healing creams for cuts and scrapes.
Burn gel, aloe vera gel, and bite creams are also widely sold and useful in Taiwan’s hot summers.
Hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, and antihistamine gels are excellent for insect bites and skin irritation.
Sunscreen
Taiwan gets extremely hot and humid in summer, so sunscreen is essential.
You will find sunscreen everywhere – convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and beauty stores.
Popular brands include Biore UV, Nivea Sun, Banana Boat, Anessa, and La Roche-Posay.
Asian sunscreens are often lighter and less greasy than Western brands, which makes them excellent for humid weather.
SPF 50+ is very common and usually affordable.
If you have sensitive skin, pharmacies stock stronger dermatology brands too.
Acne Treatment
Breakouts while travelling are easy to manage in Taiwan.
Benzoyl peroxide gels, acne patches, salicylic acid cleansers, and spot treatments are widely sold.
Acne patches are especially popular and easy to find in Watsons, Cosmed, and even convenience stores.
Clindamycin gels and stronger pharmacy treatments may also be available OTC depending on the product.
Taiwan is particularly good for skincare products, and acne treatment options are usually excellent.
Insect Repellent and Bite Relief
Mosquito repellent is a must in Taiwan, especially during summer and in more tropical areas.
Repellent sprays, creams, and patches are sold everywhere. Brands with DEET are common, along with gentler family-friendly options.
After bites happen, antihistamine gels, calamine lotion, and cooling creams are easy to buy.
Tiger Balm is also commonly used for itch relief and general bite irritation.
China Oel is a small but very popular peppermint oil remedy you’ll often see in Taiwan pharmacies and convenience stores. Despite the name, it is commonly used for headaches, dizziness, mild nausea, blocked noses, insect bites, and even motion sickness. A few drops can be rubbed onto the temples, under the nose, or onto insect bites for a cooling effect, and many travellers keep a bottle in their bag as a quick fix for travel headaches or stuffy public transport journeys.
If you are travelling to mountain areas, hot spring regions, or visiting during mosquito-heavy seasons, insect repellent is definitely worth packing.
Taiwan makes it very easy for travellers to manage minor medical issues without needing to visit a doctor. Pharmacies are reliable, convenience stores are everywhere, and most everyday health problems can be sorted quickly and affordably.
For stronger medication, prescription medication, or anything involving controlled drugs, it is always best to plan ahead and bring your own supply with the correct paperwork.
OTC Medication in Taiwan FAQ
Can I get antihistamine in Taiwan 7-Eleven?
Sometimes, yes. Some larger convenience stores may stock basic allergy medication, but options are usually limited. For a better choice, including non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine, it is much better to visit a pharmacy, Watsons, or Cosmed. If you need children’s allergy medication or something specific, pharmacies are the safest option.
What medicines can you buy over the counter in Taiwan?
Many common medicines are available without a prescription in Taiwan, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, cold and flu remedies, anti-diarrhoea medication, motion sickness tablets, rehydration salts, antacids, insect bite creams, and basic first aid products. Pharmacies may also stock stronger medications than you would normally find OTC in the UK.
Can you buy OTC antibiotics in Taiwan?
Taiwan is stricter than some other Asian countries when it comes to antibiotics, and many antibiotics require pharmacy supervision or a prescription. You should not assume you can easily buy antibiotics over the counter. It is always better to speak to a pharmacist or doctor rather than trying to self-prescribe antibiotics while travelling.
Why do foreigners buy medication in Taiwan?
Travellers often buy medication in Taiwan because pharmacies are easy to access, prices are reasonable, and common travel problems can be treated quickly without needing a doctor’s appointment. It is also useful for replacing forgotten medication, buying first aid supplies, or handling minor illnesses during a trip.
Where can I buy medication in Taiwan?
Medication is best purchased from licensed pharmacies, Watsons, Cosmed, hospital pharmacies, or well-known pharmacy chains. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are useful for basics like pain relief, lozenges, plasters, and rehydration drinks, but pharmacies are better for proper medical advice.
Is store-bought medication safe in Taiwan?
Yes – medication bought from licensed pharmacies and reputable chains is generally very safe. Always check packaging, expiry dates, and active ingredients, especially if local brand names differ from what you use at home.
Avoid buying medication from unofficial sellers or market stalls.
Continue Planning Your Taiwan Trip With Kids
- Start with planning your overall Taiwan trip with kids, including transport, where to stay and the best family-friendly destinations across the island
- Don’t forget to fill in the Taiwan Digital Arrival Card before you travel to Taiwan
- Starting in Taipei? Find out more about visiting Taipei with autistic children, including sensory-friendly attractions, parks and easy day trips
- Visiting Taiwan on a cruise ship? Learn more about visiting Taiwan by cruise ship
- Travelling with medication? Find out how to bring medication into Taiwan legally
- Travelling to Keelung? Start by planning how to visiting Keelung with autistic children
Continue Planning Your Asia Itinerary With Kids
- Start with planning your overall Asia family trip, including flights, pacing, transport and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Travelling via an airport to Taiwan? Learn how to book special assistance and what help you can expect
- Travelling with medication? Learn what to include on your doctors travel letter for medication
- Looking for easier first-time Asia destinations? Consider visiting Japan with kids for clean transport, family facilities and predictable routines
- Prefer beaches and slower travel? Find out more about Thailand with children for resort stays, nature and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Hong Kong with autistic children
- Hoping to Island hop? Learn more about visiting the Philippines with autistic kids
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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