At the Pharmacy
Use these phrases when visiting an Italian pharmacy to describe common symptoms, ask for over-the-counter remedies, and understand dosage instructions.
Key Phrases
Mi serve qualcosa per il mal di testa.
casualI need something for a headache.
Direct; use when you know you need an over-the-counter remedy.
Avete qualcosa per il mal di testa?
politeDo you have something for a headache?
A polite way to ask the pharmacist for a recommendation.
Sto malissimo, ho mal di stomaco da ieri mattina.
casualI feel terrible, I have had a stomach ache since yesterday morning.
Use 'sto malissimo' for emphasis; very common in everyday spoken Italian.
Ho un forte raffreddore e molta tosse.
neutralI have a bad cold and a bad cough.
The standard, direct way to list your symptoms to the staff.
Posso avere un antidolorifico per favore?
politeCan I have a painkiller please?
A polite and natural way to ask for a specific item.
Ecco la ricetta del dottore per queste pillole.
neutralHere is the doctor's prescription for these pills.
Say this while handing your paperwork to the pharmacist.
Serve la ricetta del medico per questa medicina?
politeDo you need a doctor's prescription for this medicine?
In Italy, many strong painkillers require a prescription.
Quante ne devo prendere al giorno?
casualHow many of them must I take a day?
The small word 'ne' perfectly replaces the noun (the pills).
Quante pillole devo prendere ogni giorno?
politeHow many pills must I take every day?
More explicit and polite when speaking to the staff.
Devo prendere questa medicina prima o dopo i pasti?
neutralMust I take this medicine before or after meals?
Crucial question, as pharmacists often specify 'a stomaco pieno' (on a full stomach).