Over the Counter medicines in the UK

[dandeloin]

Hi All,

we're in ROI and DH is heading to the UK tomorrow. Just hoping someone could recommend some OTC medicines/products that might be worth stocking up on, which we can't get over here? We have 3 young-ish kids so any alternatives to the branded Calpol/nurofen, etc? Also looking for suggestions for treating general aches and pains, sinus issues etc.(for us "ole" adults). Thanks for your help

Supermarket branded children's paracetamol - Tesco, Asda or chemist branded - Boots etc work just as well as Calpol.

I'm not sure if you have the same rules over there, but you will only be able to buy 2 paracetamol containing products at a time, so if you want a few bottles/packets you will need to buy them with several trips into shops. Some places will only sell 2 paracetamol-similar products, so they will count ibuprofen as one of the 2. bangs head against wall

Pharmacies can sell paracetamol in greater quantities.

Unbranded adult paracetamol/ibuprofen can be pennies pack. But if you're getting that even more trips into shops will be needed.

No idea about alternatives to children's pain relief, but for adults any non branded PR will do. Supermarkets tend to have very cheap non-branded paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets that are exactly the same as the branded. If you want the ones with caffeine, just have a cup of coffee at the same time instead. Branded are a rip off. For anything else I'd try a pharmacy as they'll be able to recommend non-branded alternatives too.

Boots (or other) branded antihistamines (piriton) for children (or adults). We get through that at times and it is cheaper than branded. If you want actual equivalent to the main piriton medication make sure you get the chlorphemanine maleate. I need that one for DD's allergy flare-up.

What is it you struggle to get hold of?

Thanks for the great suggestions. Much appreciated. I don't technically struggle to get anything, just looking for suggestions to stock up the medicine cabinet with. I often read on here about the likes of paracetamol for example being so much cheaper that you would get it over here, or greater availability of medicines that would be on prescription here. So its just the day to day stuff for the kids, sinus headache treatment for me and antihistamines is a good suggestion for DH.

Are any of your kids in nappies and is yellow metanium (nappy rash cream) still hard to get hold of in ROI?