How to get antibiotics in Spain

No. A pharmacy in Spain cannot dispense antibiotics without a valid prescription from a Spanish-registered doctor. Our doctors can assess your symptoms and, when appropriate, issue a prescription for use at Spanish pharmacies.

No. Foreign prescriptions generally cannot be used in Spain. Spanish pharmacies have not implemented EU-wide acceptance of prescriptions, so UK and EU prescriptions are not normally accepted for dispensing in Spain.

The price depends on the type of antibiotic prescribed, the strength, the dose, the brand, and whether a generic version is available. Some antibiotics are inexpensive, while others cost more. Our doctors can guide you on the most suitable treatment option and what to expect at the pharmacy.

Yes. In Spain, there is normally always a duty pharmacy open in each local catchment area on Sundays and public holidays. These pharmacies rotate, and most pharmacies display a notice on the door showing which nearby pharmacy is open on that date.

If the pharmacy does not have the medication in stock, they can often order it for later the same day if you attend in the morning. If you attend later in the day, it is usually available by the next morning at the latest.

Yes. The service is designed for international patients, with fluent English-speaking doctors available to help explain symptoms, treatment and how to collect medication in Spain.

Not always. Many non-emergency infections can first be assessed through a telephone consultation or video consultation, which is often especially helpful for tourists and short-stay visitors in Spain.

Symptoms that may need urgent in-person medical review include a sudden widespread rash after eating something new, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, voice change, signs of a severe allergic reaction, active convulsions, major trauma, a foreign object stuck in the body, heavy bleeding, unresponsiveness, or possible stroke symptoms such as facial weakness, arm weakness or slurred speech.