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**This article talks about the common cold and cold remedies in Costa Rica. It does not refer to Coronavirus and was written before the outbreak. Please see a doctor to get tested if you exhibit symptoms that could be COVID-19.**
So…you’ve made that long trip all the way to Costa Rica.
Everything was going great, until suddenly… you felt that familiar tickle in your throat. Or, maybe it started out as a headache. Maybe it was the sick person back at the office you tried so hard to avoid. Or, the guy sneezing next to you on the airplane that you couldn’t get away from.
However it happened, you’ve landed in Costa Rica and you’ve got a nicely developing cold.
That just figures.
As much as you’d like to call it day and just hide under the blankets, you can’t! Are you going to let a cold stop you from enjoying this amazing trip? No you’re not!
So, what do you buy?
Costa Rica has some great cold medicines, and I’m going to show you exactly what to buy.
Over the Counter Meds
Chances are, you won’t need anything stronger than over the counter meds to relieve your cold symptoms. However, if you speak Spanish, you always have the option to talk to the pharmacist in any drugstore or supermarket, describe the symptoms and they can give you something to relieve your aches & pains, and even digestive problems (not antibiotics, though–you’ll need a prescription for that).
The beauty of talking to the pharmacist is, they can give you just a couple tablets instead of you purchasing an entire bottle. And, not only will they give you only the one or two pills you need, there’s also a water cooler and cups in many pharmacies so you can just go ahead and take those meds right then.
What a concept, huh? Just another thing I love so much about Costa Rica.
However, if you’ve got what’s turning into a bad cold and need meds to take back to the hotel, you’ve got some great choices.
Costa Rica has some great products for the common cold (known as “gripe”, pronounced “GREE-peh”). Products so good that I usually buy some to bring home anyway.
One of my all-time favorites is called Zepol ointment. It’s pretty much the Costa Rican version of Vicks Vapor Rub. It works fantastic and will probably be easier for you to find than Vick’s (which they do sell in Costa Rica). Don’t hesitate to pick up a jar, this stuff works good.
Costa Rica sells most of the same brands of cough drops that you find in the States. Most stores sell Halls, but they come in even better flavors that you find at home!
Here you can find Halls in mint and rainbow fruit colors. I usually bring these back with me, because they’re so unique.
Another popular cold relief medication is called GEX (pronounced “Hex”). This is similar to Thera-Flu and you can find it in daytime or nighttime strength. This is a popular brand you may want to try to get some relief.
You may also find a medication called “Tabcin”. This is another popular cold medication sold in several different strengths including nighttime/day/cough formula and even a child’s dosage.
You’ll easily find these medications in most any supermarket.
More Remedies
Larger supermarkets and even Walmart in more urban areas like San Jose and Cartago are likely to carry Gringo over-the-counter meds as well as Advil and Tylenol. Packages will be smaller than the ginormous bottles you’re used to in the States. Hopefully, you packed some pain relievers in the luggage, as mentioned in my “what to pack” list.
Another medication you may stumble upon while you’re in Costa Rica is Cofal cream which is a muscle ache cream, much like Ben Gay, or Icy Hot.
Costa Rica also sells a lot of Sal Andrews, which is a medication just like Alka Seltzer, helping you to get relief from an upset tummy.
If tea is your go-to aid for the sniffles, I suggest ginger tea or pick up a pack of “manzanilla” (chamomile tea). People swear by this to fix all sorts of ailments.
Hopefully the sunshine, the fresh fruit and the warmth of the Costa Rican people will have you feeling better in no time! Enjoy your trip!
Is it true that in the US there are no doctors in most drugstores? I’m asking because in Costa Rica, there’s a doctor on duty that can help you if you need advice from them. They won’t give you a full checkup or anything but if you need to speak to an actual doctor. You may find one at your local drugstore.
Hi Marco, yes that is true. In the U.S. you need a prescription for anything that’s not “over the counter”. That’s one of the beautiful things about going to a Costa Rican drugstore. You can speak to the pharmacist about your ailment and they will recommend a solution and in many cases, there’s no prescription needed. That does not include all drugs or antibiotics. You’ll still need a prescription for those. Another amazing thing is that you can buy just a couple of pills if you choose, and take them right there at the water cooler.