You can buy anything over the counter, from paracetamol/ imodium to ventolin inhalers, sleeping tablets.

Lin

Sorry may need to make this clearer as I may of been mis-understood.

Can I buy over the counter medication (marlaria) in the UK that will be needed for a holiday to Goa rather than visit my doctor ?

Sorry ange, I wasn't totally sure what you were asking, I believe you can buy them over the counter, There is a long thread on malaria tabs on page 2.

Thanks lin

can you tell me what pain ,medication is available otc in Goa- I'm not talking Paracetamol/Aspirin mre along the lines of Codeine.DiHydracodeine(DF118), do you need a perscription for these and are the doctors walkin and wait scenarious or do you need aqn appointment. I suffer from Sciatica, and am petrified that i will lose ,run out of mesd whils t in Goa.
many thatnks,
kenny.

Kenny,
If you need a Dr, just turn up and wait to be seen. You can get all types of painkillers out in Goa. I use something called combiflam or duoflam for my back problem and it always does the trick.
GFF

Hi Kenny

I had to see a doctor last time I was in Goa. I just turned up at the surgery and although there were other people (locals) waiting to see him I was seen straght away. There's no price lists so make sure that you ask how much the treatment is going to cost as you don't want any nasty surprises when you come to pay. All-in-all though the service I received was very good and also extremely cheap.
Re: prescriptions for your medication - no you don't need one, you just let them know what you need. I was told last time though, that the authorities were trying to stop chemists selling large amounts of certain tablets - think it was sleeping tablets and viagra but I think there's always a way around these little problems in Goa
Hope this puts your mind at rest a little.

Sharon

I know that some countries are very funny about people taking in pain killers that contain codeine.

I am taking a capsule that contains 500 mg paracetamol with 30 mg codeine for my migraines, however, if for some reason my bags are searched, will this cause problems?

Also, if I went to a chemist for a similar product to Tylex (the name of my medication) as I may run out, are they likely to have something else?

we take Chloroquine and Proguanil anti malaria tablets which you buy over the counter at your chemist. Cost £17.99 for enough for a two wek holiday.
ange007 hope this helps.

Sydney, I too take codeine based pain killers, as far as I am aware it is ok in India, but in the Arab countries it is illegal unless you have a doctors note to back up your usage. Have a quick word with your doctor to make sure though, I would put them in your suitcase if you stopping over on your way to Goa they are illegal in Greece too

Kenny my husband has a bad leg and limps badly, this year he had a fall in Candolim. I went to the chemist going towards Raffles in Candolim but on the opposite of the road. I explained to the pharmacist and he gave me some "horse" pills that are pain killers, muscle relaxants and anti imflamatory! We got another 60 or so before we came home as they are the best thing my husband has found for bad days. One in morning, one at night. I will check the name tonight and post it - it might help.

Hi Kenny just over a week ago, in Goa my 10 year old came down with a nasty ear infection at about 7.30 pm, we were flying home the next morning so i got the hotel to get me a doctor. He was there in 10 mins he give her a thorough check and produced antibiotic ear drops, tablets, pain killers and some travel sickness pills it came to £10. I nearly jumped on bed for a check up myself at that price. Hope this helps because i never thought to check prices of call outs and was worried it might be a fortune.

last year I was in the main chemists in Calangute and a guy in front of me asked for Mandrax tablets which are sleeping pills and were widely abused in the drug scene in the past He was given a funny look and given a few but at a fairly hefty price so I would think the pharmacists in Goa know the tablets that are widely abused, such as DF 118 pain killers, and treat each customer accordingly, as to the idea they form, as to the reason for the purchase Alan

Can you buy Ritallin in Goa? (for ADD in kids)

I met a guy there who always goes to Goa for his arthritis medication. He buys a 6month supply which keeps him going til his next trip.

Viagra (or Silagra) was very popular when i was queuing for er.. plasters.

Bear in mind that you can generally buy what you want prescription free, but you may have trouble at customs both in India and the UK if you have no prescription.