Medicine in Turkey: What You Can Buy and Where to Find It

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If you’re trying to figure out how to find medicine in Turkey, what you can buy over the counter, and whether you need a prescription, you’re not alone.

When I first moved here, I was completely confused. Simple things like cold medicine or pain relief were not as straightforward as I expected, and I quickly realized the system works very differently than back home.

After living in Turkey for several years, I’ve learned exactly where to go, what to ask for, and how to find the right medication without wasting time or getting frustrated.

This guide will walk you through how pharmacies work in Turkey, what medications are available without a prescription, and how to find equivalents for the things you already use.

Where to buy Medicine in Turkey

If you need medicine while you’re visiting Turkey, you will need to go to a pharmacy, called an eczane.

Unlike in the United States, you will not find pharmacies inside large grocery stores like Carrefour or Migros. Pharmacies are separate shops, and they are easy to spot by the word “Eczane” on the sign.

In larger areas like shopping malls, you will almost always find at least one pharmacy inside. You will likely find one within walking distance from wherever you’re staying.

Most eczanes carry everything from basic over-the-counter medications to prescription drugs, as well as some medical supplies.

However, for more specialized items like gauze, braces, or post-surgery supplies, you may need to search for a “medikal” shop, which focuses on medical equipment.

I actually had to do this myself after a minor procedure and was able to quickly find what I needed by searching “medikal” on Google Maps.

One helpful thing to know is that pharmacies in Turkey rotate hours. If your nearest pharmacy is closed, you can look for a “nöbetçi eczane” (on-duty pharmacy), which stays open overnight and on Sundays.

What You Can Buy Over the Counter at Pharmacies

One of the biggest surprises for many travelers is how much you can buy over the counter in Turkey compared to other countries.

In many cases, medications that require a prescription in the United States are available directly from pharmacies in Turkey.

When I first moved here, I was shocked at how easy it was to walk into an eczane, describe what I needed, and walk out with the medication without needing a doctor’s visit.

Common Medications Available Without a Prescription

You can typically buy the following over the counter in Turkey:

• Cold and flu medications (like decongestants, cough syrups, and nasal sprays)
• Allergy medications (some stronger ones may require a prescription)
• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Digestive aids like anti-diarrheal medication
• Some blood pressure medications

One medication I tried to find was Benadryl, but it requires a prescription in Turkey. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is more tightly regulated than in some other countries.

How Pharmacies Work in Turkey

Pharmacies in Turkey operate a bit differently than what many travelers are used to, especially when it comes to the role of the pharmacist. Instead of just filling prescriptions, they often:

• help diagnose minor issues, which is incredibly helpful
• recommend appropriate medication
• suggest alternatives if something is unavailable

I’ve personally gone into pharmacies unsure of what I needed and walked out with exactly the right medication after a quick conversation. They are usually very patient and helpful.

If there is a language barrier, you can:

• use Google Translate
• show them the medication name
• describe your symptoms

Prescription Medications in Turkey

While many medications are available over the counter in Turkey, some still require a prescription. These are typically more regulated medications, including:

• Antibiotics (this has changed in recent years)
• Controlled substances (classified as red or green prescriptions)
• Narcotic or psychotropic medications
• Certain antihistamines and specialized treatments

In Turkey, medications are categorized into different prescription groups:

• Green prescriptions are used for drugs containing psychotropic substances (alprazolam, diazepam, etc.)
• Red prescriptions are used for stronger, controlled substances such as narcotics (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc.). The red drugs are prescribed when there is a psychological disorder, advanced forms of cancer, and other serious diseases. (Interview with a Pharmacist)

If you need one of these medications, you will need to visit a doctor to get a prescription.

How to Get a Prescription in Turkey

If you need a prescription in Turkey, the process is relatively simple and often much more affordable than in other countries.

The easiest option is to visit a private hospital or clinic, where you can see a doctor and get a prescription the same day. Many private hospitals in Turkey have English-speaking staff, and some even offer translation services if needed.

Some of the most well-known private hospitals include places like Medipol, Medical Park, and Acıbadem.

In my experience, getting an appointment is usually quick, and the cost is quite reasonable compared to what you might expect elsewhere.

Medicine Equivalents (US vs Turkey)

One of the most common concerns when traveling is whether you will be able to find the same medications you use at home.

The good news is that while brand names are different in Turkey, the active ingredients are often the same, which means you can usually find an equivalent.

Here are a few common examples:

Common Medicine Equivalents

Here are some common medicine equivalents in Turkey compared to brands you may recognize from the United States. While brand names are often different, the active ingredients are usually the same.

How to Find Medicine Equivalents in Turkey

If you cannot find the exact brand you are used to, the best approach is to focus on the active ingredient rather than the brand name.

You can:

• Show the pharmacist the name of the medication you use
• Use Google to look up the active ingredient
• Ask the pharmacist for an equivalent (they are usually very helpful)

I’ve done this myself multiple times, and even when I didn’t know the Turkish name, the pharmacist was able to quickly find the right option.

You can also use Pill in Trip to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Important Notes About Prescriptions

While many medications are available over the counter in Turkey, certain drugs are still regulated and require a prescription. These include:

• Antibiotics
• Strong pain medications
• Controlled substances classified as “red” or “green” prescriptions

If you are unsure whether something requires a prescription, the pharmacist can usually guide you.

Tips for Finding Medicine in Turkey

1. Learn the word “eczane”

Pharmacies are called eczane, and you will see this word everywhere. If you remember just one word related to healthcare in Turkey, make it this one.

You say it ehj-ZAH-neh.

2. Look for a “nöbetçi eczane” after hours

Pharmacies take turns staying open overnight and on Sundays. These are called nöbetçi eczane (on-duty pharmacies).

If your nearest pharmacy is closed, you can search “nöbetçi eczane” on Google Maps to find one that is open.

3. Ask the pharmacist for help

Pharmacists in Turkey are extremely helpful and often act as your first point of care.

If you are unsure what you need, you can describe your symptoms, and they will usually recommend the right medication or an equivalent.

I’ve done this multiple times and have been surprised at how quickly they can help, even with limited English.

4. Bring a photo of your medication

If you take something regularly, it helps to have:

• a photo of the medication
• the name of the active ingredient

This makes it much easier for the pharmacist to find an equivalent in Turkey.

5. Use Google Translate if needed

If there is a language barrier, Google Translate can go a long way. You can:

• type out what you need
• show it to the pharmacist
• or translate symptoms

It’s not perfect, but it usually gets the job done.

6. Don’t assume brands will be the same

Most medications will have different brand names in Turkey, even if the ingredients are the same.

Focus on the active ingredient, not the brand name.

7. Check hours before you go

Many pharmacies close in the evening, especially outside of major areas.

If you need something urgently, it’s always worth checking Google Maps first to make sure they are open.

FAQs About Medicine in Turkey

Finding Medicine in Turkey Made Simple

Finding medicine in Turkey might feel confusing at first, but once you understand how the system works, it becomes surprisingly easy.

Pharmacies, or eczanes, are well-stocked, pharmacists are incredibly helpful, and many medications are more accessible than you might expect. Even when brand names differ, you can almost always find an equivalent by focusing on the active ingredient.

From my own experience living here, the biggest shift is simply learning where to go and what to ask for. Once you do, getting what you need becomes quick and straightforward.

With a little preparation and the right approach, you can confidently handle any minor health needs during your time in Turkey.

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