Recommended Over-the-Counter Medicines in Japan (Cold Medicine Edition)

Hello everyone, this is BLEZ Pharmacy located along Asakusa Kokusaitori Street in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Today, we are bringing you a recommended list of over-the-counter(OTC) cold medicines in Japan!

While getting a cold during your trip is something you’d like to avoid, if you do catch a cold, there are many effective OTC medicines in Japan. Cold symptoms vary, but using the right medicine can help you recover quickly.

Japanese pharmacies have a wide range of reliable cold medicines. Especially for those using Japanese medicine for the first time, choosing the right one can be confusing. Therefore, we will introduce recommended cold medicines available at Japanese pharmacies, categorized by symptoms. Refer to this article to take good care of your cold symptoms and enjoy your trip or daily life.

Here are the over-the-counter medicines we will introduce:

• Pabron Gold A (Comprehensive Cold Medicine)
• Contac Cold Comprehensive (Comprehensive Cold Medicine)
• Contac Cough Suppressant W (Cough Suppressant)
• Contac 600 Plus (Runny Nose and Sneezing)
• Ryukakusan, Ryukakusan Direct (Throat Pain)
• Eve A, Eve EX, Bufferin Premium DX (Throat/Head Pain and Fever)
• Kakkonto (Herbal Medicine)
• Kyoseihatekigan (Hoarseness)
• Chikunain (Sinusitis)

Let’s take a closer look at the recommended medicines for each symptom.

Comprehensive Cold Medicines

1. Pabron Gold A
   • Features: A comprehensive cold medicine that addresses many cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, and throat pain.
   • Usage: Adults take 3 tablets per dose, 3 times a day with water or warm water.
   • Recommendation: Effective for many symptoms, it’s good to use from the onset of symptoms to prevent worsening.

2. Contac Cold Comprehensive

• Features: Long-acting comprehensive cold medicine that continuously alleviates symptoms.
• Usage: Adults take 2 capsules per dose, 2 times a day in the morning and evening.
• Recommendation: Easy to take even on busy days since it requires only twice-daily dosing.

Cough Suppressant

3. Contac Cough Suppressant W
   • Features: Contains powerful cough suppressant ingredients that effectively stop persistent coughing.
   • Usage: Adults take 1 capsule per dose, 2 times a day in the morning and evening.
   • Recommendation: Particularly effective for stopping nighttime coughing that keeps you awake.

Runny Nose and Sneezing

4. Contac 600 Plus
   • Features: Effectively suppresses runny nose and sneezing.
   • Usage: Adults take 2 capsules per dose, 2 times a day in the morning and evening.
   • Recommendation: Also effective for allergic rhinitis.

Throat Pain

5. Ryukakusan, Ryukakusan Direct
   • Features: A herbal medicine that relieves throat pain and scratchiness.
   • Usage: Place the powder in your mouth and take without water.
   • Recommendation: Fast-acting and convenient to carry around.

Throat/Head Pain and Fever

6. Eve A, Eve EX, Bufferin Premium DX
   • Features: Contains ibuprofen to quickly relieve pain and fever.
   • Usage: Adults take 2 tablets per dose, 2 times a day with water or warm water.
   • Recommendation: Fast-acting and long-lasting, suitable for severe pain.

Herbal Medicine

7. Kakkonto
   • Features: Traditional herbal medicine effective for the initial symptoms of a cold.
   • Usage: Adults take 1 packet per dose, 3 times a day with water or warm water.
   • Recommendation: Gentle on the body with natural ingredients, particularly effective at the onset of a cold.

Hoarseness

8. Kyoseihatekigan
   • Features: A herbal medicine that alleviates hoarseness and throat discomfort.
   • Usage: Adults take 1 packet per dose, 3 times a day with water or warm water.
   • Recommendation: Gentle on the throat with natural ingredients.

Sinusitis

9. Chikunain
   • Features: While not a cold medicine, it is a herbal medicine that relieves sinusitis symptoms.
   • Usage: Adults take 1 packet per dose, 2 times a day with water or warm water.
   • Recommendation: Effective for prolonged nasal congestion and runny nose.

Summary

Cold symptoms vary, but by using the over-the-counter medicines introduced here, you can surely stay comfortable. Check the usage and effects of each medicine and use them appropriately. Please note that the recommended medicines listed are not suitable for everyone and are introduced as representative options. Consult a pharmacist for the best medicine for your symptoms. Our pharmacy supports not only English and Chinese but also Thai and Korean! Prioritize your health and enjoy your wonderful time in Japan.