Getting medicine in Brazil as a foreigner: what to know

If you take regular medication or fall ill during your stay, one of the first questions is simple: can you get your medicine in Brazil, and do you need a prescription? This guide explains, in plain English, what you can buy over the counter, what needs a prescription, whether your foreign prescription works, and the fastest way to get a valid Brazilian prescription.

Can you buy medicine without a prescription in Brazil?

Yes — for many everyday medicines. Brazil has a large network of pharmacies (farmácias), and many are open 24 hours. Common over-the-counter products include:

  • Pain and fever relief — paracetamol, ibuprofen, dipyrone (dipirona)
  • Allergy medicines — loratadine, cetirizine
  • Acid reflux and stomach relief — omeprazole, antacids

The pharmacist (farmacêutico) can advise on minor problems, and in tourist areas some staff speak basic English or Spanish.

What requires a prescription

Some categories cannot be bought freely:

  • Antibiotics. Since a 2011 health regulation (RDC 20/2011), antibiotics can only be sold with a prescription, and the pharmacy keeps a copy on file. You cannot buy them over the counter.
  • Prescription-only medicines (many for blood pressure, diabetes and other ongoing conditions) require a valid prescription.
  • Controlled medicines (for example, for sleep, anxiety, ADHD or strong pain) require a special controlled prescription and stricter record-keeping.

Does a prescription from my country work in Brazil?

For controlled medicines, a foreign prescription is generally not accepted to buy them at a Brazilian pharmacy — you need a prescription issued by a doctor licensed in Brazil. For ongoing treatment, the safest route is to have a Brazilian doctor assess you and issue a local prescription.

The fastest way to get a valid Brazilian prescription

You do not need to spend a day in a clinic. In a telemedicine consultation, a doctor licensed in Brazil can assess you by video and, when appropriate, issue a digital prescription. Under Brazilian rules (CFM Resolution 2.314/2022), a telemedicine prescription signed with an ICP-Brasil digital certificate is valid across the entire country and accepted at pharmacies — you simply show the digital document. No Brazilian ID or local phone number is required.

Bringing your own medicines into Brazil

You can bring medicines for your personal use. It is strongly recommended to carry them in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter, in case you are asked to prove personal use. For controlled substances, ANVISA requires the prescription and the purchase invoice. Bring enough for your whole trip, since an exact local equivalent is not guaranteed.

Practical tips at the pharmacy

  • Look for a farmácia — they are everywhere in cities, and many large chains open 24 hours.
  • Bring the generic (active-ingredient) name of your medicine, not just the brand — brand names differ between countries.
  • If you are unsure whether you need a prescription, an online consultation can confirm and issue one in minutes.

Frequently asked questions about prescriptions in Brazil

Can I buy antibiotics over the counter in Brazil?

No. Since 2011, antibiotics require a prescription in Brazil and the pharmacy retains a copy. You need a valid prescription from a doctor.

Is a digital prescription accepted at Brazilian pharmacies?

Yes. A digital prescription signed with an ICP-Brasil certificate is valid throughout Brazil and accepted at pharmacies. You show the document from your phone.

Will my prescription from home be accepted in Brazil?

For controlled medicines, generally no — you need a prescription issued by a doctor licensed in Brazil. A quick online consultation can provide one.

Can I get a prescription without leaving my hotel?

Yes. A telemedicine consultation with a Brazilian-licensed doctor can assess you and, when appropriate, issue a valid digital prescription remotely.