Can You Buy Naproxen Over the Counter in Spain? (2026)
In Spain, naproxen 500 mg and 550 mg are prescription-only. One non-prescription option is a 660 mg once-daily tablet for occasional pain in adults 18-65.
Dr. Daniel Cuenca Leal
Colegiado nº 284627651 · Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Médicos de Madrid
Can you buy naproxen over the counter in Spain?
Quick answer: In Spain, almost all naproxen products are prescription-only. The sole exception is a single product containing 660 mg of modified-release naproxen sodium (sold in an 8-tablet pack), authorised without a prescription only for occasional mild-to-moderate pain or fever in adults aged 18 to 65 for a few days. All 500 mg and 550 mg naproxen tablets, capsules, and combination products require a medical prescription from a doctor.
If you are dealing with pain that requires prescription-strength relief or you do not fit the narrow criteria for the non-prescription option, you can book an online consultation for back pain with UrgentDoc. The patient books a video consultation with one of our licensed doctors at a time that suits them. Doctors send offers, and the consultation fee is shown on the doctor's offer before the patient chooses a time and pays. The doctor reviews the symptoms, medical history, current medicines, and allergies, and decides whether a medicine is appropriate or whether an in-person referral is needed. If the doctor decides a medicine is appropriate, you receive a private electronic prescription as a PDF by email, issued through a private e-prescription platform such as REMPe. Show the PDF at a pharmacy; the pharmacist checks it before dispensing it.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider.
Accessing non-prescription and prescription medication in Spain depends on whether you seek care through the public health system, a local private walk-in clinic, or a telemedicine provider, as outlined by the European Commission:
| Route | Wait | What you pay | Language | Prescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public health system (SNS) | Varies | EHIC: same rights as people insured in Spain, for care that can't wait | Varies | Public (SNS) prescription |
| Private clinic | Varies | Clinic fee; the EHIC does not cover private care | Varies | Private prescription |
| UrgentDoc video consultation | You choose a time from doctors' offers | Fee shown on the doctor's offer before you pay; medicine paid at the pharmacy | English | Private electronic prescription (PDF by email) if the doctor decides it is appropriate |
Can you buy ibuprofen over the counter in Spain, and what about 600 mg?
Under Spanish regulations, you can buy ibuprofen over the counter in Spain, but only in certain strengths and specific product packages. According to the Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) CIMA database, Spain classifies each medicine product, not each ingredient, as prescription-only or non-prescription, so the same strength can be sold both ways.
For ibuprofen 400 mg, non-prescription availability depends entirely on the specific product. For instance, branded packs like Nurofen 400 mg (12 tablets) or Dalsydol 400 mg (30 tablets) are authorized without a prescription ("Sin Receta"), while several generic 30-tablet packs of 400 mg ibuprofen require a prescription. The summary of product characteristics for Dalsydol 400 mg indicates it is for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older (weighing over 40 kg), with a label directing one 400 mg tablet every 6 to 8 hours, not to exceed 1,200 mg (3 tablets) in 24 hours. The label notes that if pain lasts more than 5 days in adults (3 days in adolescents) or fever lasts more than 3 days, a doctor should evaluate it.
In contrast, Spanish ibuprofen 600 mg always requires a prescription. Every single 600 mg oral product marketed in Spain—whether tablets, granules, or effervescent sachets—is categorized as prescription-only by the AEMPS CIMA database. The summary of product characteristics for prescription ibuprofen 600 mg states it is used for the symptomatic treatment of fever and moderate pain, including migraine, with an adult maximum daily dose of 2,400 mg. If you suffer from severe headaches requiring prescription care, you may explore a migraine medication prescription in Spain.
Which painkillers can you buy without a prescription in Spain?
The Spanish medicines agency (AEMPS) evaluates and assigns prescription statuses to every marketed medicine. The table below lists the legal status of common painkillers in Spanish pharmacies:
Painkillers in Spain: prescription or not
| Medicine | Without prescription? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Naproxen 500 mg / 550 mg (naproxeno) | Prescription only | All 500 mg tablets and 550 mg naproxen sodium tablets require a prescription. |
| Naproxen sodium 660 mg (naproxeno sódico, Actromadol, 8 tablets) | Yes | Adults 18–65, occasional pain, max one tablet a day according to the Actromadol summary of product characteristics. |
| Ibuprofen 600 mg (ibuprofeno) | Prescription only | Every marketed product in 600 mg form requires a prescription. |
| Ibuprofen 400 mg (ibuprofeno) | Depends on the product | Some branded packs are sold without a prescription; many generics require one. |
| Ibuprofen 200 mg and 5% gel (ibuprofeno) | Yes | Some products prescription-only. |
| Diclofenac tablets and capsules (diclofenaco) | Prescription only | All oral forms (tablets, capsules, modified-release) require a prescription. |
| Diclofenac gel, spray, plasters (diclofenaco) | Yes | Non-prescription gels and plasters are marketed (some gels are prescription-only). |
| Codeine combinations (with ibuprofen or other) (codeína) | Prescription only | Our doctors do not prescribe them. |
| Tramadol | Prescription only | Our doctors do not prescribe it. |
What are naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac called in Spain?
Brand names often vary across borders. Under Real Decreto 1718/2010, art. 3.2.b, a Spanish medical prescription must name the active ingredient; the commercial brand is only noted if medically justified or for biological medicines. The AEMPS CIMA database lists the official commercial brand names and classifications marketed in Spain:
| Brand you may know | In Spain | Prescription? |
|---|---|---|
| Naprosyn | Naprosyn 500 mg (naproxeno) | Yes |
| Brufen | No 'Brufen' - the Spanish brand is Neobrufen (400 mg, 600 mg, Retard 800 mg) | Yes |
| Voltaren tablets | Voltaren 50 mg, Voltaren Retard 75/100 mg (diclofenaco) | Yes |
| Voltaren Emulgel gel | Voltaren Emulgel is prescription-only in Spain; the non-prescription gel is Voltadol (11.6 mg/g, Forte 23.2 mg/g) | Voltaren Emulgel yes, Voltadol no |
| Nurofen 400 | ibuprofen in Spanish pharmacies: Nurofen 400 mg tablets, Nurofen Rapid 400 mg capsules (ibuprofeno) | No |
Where can you buy painkillers in Spain: pharmacies, supermarkets, or online?
Under Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 3.6, the dispensing of human medications is granted exclusively to legally authorized community pharmacies open to the public, as well as hospital and primary-care pharmacy units within the National Health System. Therefore, you cannot buy painkillers in supermarkets, convenience stores, or petrol stations in Spain.
Furthermore, Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 3.5 strictly prohibits the sale of prescription-only medicines via mail order or online platforms. Even non-prescription medicines can only be sold online by authorized physical community pharmacies that meet regulatory criteria.
According to Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 19, the AEMPS classifies drugs as prescription-only when they could present a direct or indirect hazard even in normal conditions of use if used without medical supervision. Non-prescription drugs are reserved for conditions that do not require an exact medical diagnosis. Only physicians, dentists, and podiatrists have the legal authority to prescribe prescription medicines within their competencies, and a private prescription is legally valid (Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 79.1).
Will a Spanish pharmacy accept a UK prescription for naproxen?
Under Real Decreto 1718/2010, art. 15 bis, Spanish pharmacies may dispense prescriptions issued in another Member State of the European Union for medicines authorized in Spain or centrally by the EU. However, Spain's rule for prescriptions from other EU countries does not cover UK or US prescriptions, so you need a Spanish one.
Additionally, Real Decreto 1718/2010, art. 15.4 stipulates that when a community pharmacist has reasonable doubts about the authenticity or validity of any prescription presented, the pharmacist will not dispense the medication unless its legitimacy can be established.
How do you get a prescription for naproxen or ibuprofen 600 in Spain?
If you require ongoing therapy, forgot your medication at home, or need targeted relief for an acute flare-up, obtaining a Spanish prescription requires a consultation with a registered doctor. For chronic conditions or mobility issues affecting your joints, you can book a joint pain consultation online. If you have depleted your travel supply, you can request a repeat prescription online.
Through UrgentDoc:
- The patient books a video consultation with one of our licensed doctors at a time that suits them.
- Doctors send offers, and the consultation fee is shown on the doctor's offer before the patient chooses a time and pays.
- Our doctors speak English. The doctor reviews the symptoms, medical history, current medicines, and allergies, and decides whether a medicine is appropriate or whether the patient needs to be seen in person first; if so, our doctors refer the patient. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is the doctor's clinical decision, and the doctor decides the medicine and the dose.
- Under Real Decreto 1718/2010, art. 3.2, a private prescription requires the patient's DNI, NIE, or passport number. It also includes the prescriber's details, qualification, professional address with the town and "Spain", direct contact details with the international prefix, and an electronic signature.
- If the doctor decides a medicine is appropriate, you receive a private electronic prescription as a PDF by email, issued through a private e-prescription platform such as REMPe. Show the PDF at a pharmacy; the pharmacist checks it before dispensing it. The medicine is paid for at the pharmacy, separately from the consultation fee.
- Our doctors do not prescribe strong painkillers such as codeine or tramadol, or any other controlled medicine.
Who should not take these without a doctor?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carry significant clinical cautions. According to the Actromadol summary of product characteristics, naproxen sodium is contraindicated in individuals with:
- Hypersensitivity to naproxen.
- A history of asthma, urticaria, nasal polyps, or allergic reactions associated with aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- A history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation related to previous NSAID therapies.
- Active or recurrent peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
- Severe kidney, liver, or heart failure.
- Pregnancy during the third trimester.
For ibuprofen, the patient leaflet for prescription-only ibuprofen 600 mg states that you must not take it if you:
- Have an allergy to ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, or aspirin.
- Suffer from severe liver disease or severe kidney disease.
- Have or have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or digestive perforation.
- Are vomiting blood, have black stools, or have bloody diarrhoea.
- Suffer from bleeding disorders, blood clotting disorders, or are taking anticoagulant medicines.
- Suffer from severe dehydration or severe heart failure.
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy (the leaflet notes that from week 20 of pregnancy, ibuprofen can cause kidney problems in the unborn baby).
Additionally, the AEMPS safety note on high-dose ibuprofen warns that high doses of ibuprofen (equal to or greater than 2,400 mg per day) are associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis. Doses up to 1,200 mg per day have not been associated with this increased cardiovascular risk. The agency advises that high doses should be avoided in patients with serious cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure (NYHA classes II-IV), established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, or cerebrovascular disease. Medical professionals evaluate cardiovascular risk factors before initiating long-term therapy.
Can you bring naproxen or ibuprofen into Spain?
Under the rules set out by the Spanish medicines agency (AEMPS) regarding travellers carrying medicines, travellers are permitted to bring personal medication into and out of Spain. Key requirements include:
- You may be asked to present the corresponding prescription or a medical report upon entry or exit.
- The total quantity of medication must be appropriate for the prescribed treatment, must not induce suspicion of illicit trafficking, and must not exceed the amount needed for three months of treatment.
- Travellers must request an official permit from the AEMPS Área de Estupefacientes y Psicótropos if carrying narcotic or psychotropic medications.
If you lose your original supply while travelling, learn what to do if you lose your medication in Spain.
When should you seek urgent or in-person care?
NSAIDs can cause serious adverse effects that necessitate immediate medical intervention. According to the AEMPS patient leaflet for ibuprofen 600 mg, you must stop taking the medication and seek medical help at once if you experience:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Blood in your stools or bloody diarrhoea.
- Black stools.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Blisters or significant peeling of the skin.
- Flat, reddish, target-shaped or circular patches on the trunk, often with blisters in the centre.
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
If you develop swelling of the face, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, call 112 immediately, which is the emergency number in Spain.
Furthermore, as stated in the product summaries for both Actromadol and Dalsydol, you should stop treatment and see a doctor if your pain lasts more than 5 days or if your fever persists for more than 3 days despite taking a non-prescription painkiller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy ibuprofen in supermarkets in Spain?
No. Under Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 3.6, the dispensing of human medicines is restricted exclusively to authorized community pharmacies and official public-system health services. Supermarkets, petrol stations, and convenience shops cannot legally sell any pain relief medicines in Spain.
What is ibuprofen called in Spain?
In Spanish pharmacies, the active generic ingredient is known as ibuprofeno. Branded options sold over the counter include Nurofen and Dalsydol, while prescription-only branded forms include Neobrufen (there is no medicine named "Brufen" in Spain) and Espidifen, as registered in the AEMPS CIMA database.
Can I take my naproxen to Spain?
Yes, the AEMPS regulations for travellers allow visitors to carry their personal medications for personal use. The quantity must match your prescribed treatment, must not exceed a three-month supply, and you may be asked to show your prescription or a medical report at customs.
Can I buy naproxen online from a Spanish pharmacy?
You cannot buy prescription-strength naproxen online. Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, art. 3.5 bans the mail-order and online sale of all prescription-only medicines in Spain. Only authorized physical community pharmacies may sell approved non-prescription medicines on their certified websites.
Will a Spanish pharmacy accept my UK prescription for naproxen?
No. Spain's rule for prescriptions from other EU countries does not cover UK or US prescriptions, so you need a Spanish one. You must consult a doctor authorized to prescribe in Spain to obtain a valid local prescription.
Can you buy Voltaren over the counter in Spain?
No, Voltaren tablets, capsules, and even Voltaren Emulgel are registered as prescription-only in Spain according to the AEMPS CIMA database. However, topical diclofenac gels and medicated plasters under the brand name Voltadol (such as Voltadol 11.6 mg/g and Voltadol Forte 23.2 mg/g) can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.
Can you get codeine or tramadol in Spain?
All oral codeine and tramadol products marketed in Spain require a doctor's prescription according to the AEMPS CIMA database. Our doctors do not prescribe strong painkillers such as codeine or tramadol, or any other controlled medicine. If you plan to travel with these products, check with the AEMPS before travelling with codeine or tramadol (AEMPS travellers guide).
If you need to discuss pain relief or obtain a legal Spanish prescription, you can book a video consultation with an English-speaking doctor at UrgentDoc.
