50 Medicines and Beauty Products to Buy in Japan in 2024
Japan is home to a myriad of pharmaceutical companies producing high-quality medicines and beauty products serving all sorts of purposes. But with brand names and instructions often written solely in Japanese, it can be difficult to discern what sort of medicine to buy in Japan. From Japanese constipation medicine to moisturizing masks and more, this article will introduce you to 50 essential medicines and beauty products to keep an eye out for in Japan.
21. Biofermin (ビオフェルミン下痢止め) [Medicine，Diarrhea Medicine]
While not as effective as Roperamakkusatto at stopping diarrhea, it is a well balanced medicine that has a wide variety of effects, including controlling stomach cramps and protecting the stomach lining. It can be taken by children from the age of 11.
22. STOPPA (ストッパ) [Medicine，Diarrhea Medicine]
One of the special points about Stoppa is that you can take it without water. It is the next most effective diarrhea medicine after Roperamakkusatto. There are 2 types of Stoppa - the regular Stoppa and Stoppa L. The L-type is often thought of as specifically for women, but men can take it as well.
23. Byurakku (ビューラック) [Medicine，Constipation Medicine]
A strong constipation medicine that stimulates the stomach to help assist in passing stools. For stubborn constipation. 1 pack contains 100 pills so from the cost-performance perspective it is great. When taken with milk or in combination with other medicines, the effect can drop, so be sure to take it 1 hour after drinking milk or taking other medicines.
24. Takeda Chinese Medicine for Constipation [Medicine，For Constipation]
A medicine made based on a Chinese medicine called “daiokansoto.” While not as strong as Byurakku, it will help you to passing stools more naturally. By using it before sleeping, it will work just as you wake up. Please note that mothers who are breastfeeding should avoid taking it.
25. Wakamoto [Medicine，Digestive Medicine]
A digestive medicine which contains brewer’s yeast and lactic acid bacteria. It assists the digestion and improves the condition of the intestines, and can be taken with vitamin and mineral supplements. It is a type of medicine that should be taken regularly to gradually improve the condition of the digestive system.
26. EBIOS (エビオス) [Medicine，Digestive Medicine]
Another popular medicine like Wakamoto. The brewer’s yeast it contains improves the condition of the digestive system and provides nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. IT can be taken by children over 5 years old, so it is great to have at home for families with children.
27. Shakuyakukanzoto [Medicine，Chinese Medicine]
A Chinese medicine that is effective against muscular cramps and stomach pains. It can be used by people regardless of their constitution. It is often taken for leg and calf cramps, and works rapidly after being taken. It is one of the most popular Chinese medicines available.
28. Voltaren (ボルタレン) [Medicine，Anti-inflammatory, Pain Relief]
Available in various forms, including tapes, lotions, gels and sprays, each with the same effect, so you can use the type that suits your needs. It is one of the most effective external medicines available on the market. It also doesn’t have a strong scent.
29. DOXIN (ドキシン) [Medicine，Anti-inflammatory, Pain Relief]
Doxin contains the ingredient methocarbamol which relieves cramps and stiff muscles. It is suitable for people who have stiff shoulders, lower back pain or muscular pain that isn’t relieved by regular pain-killers. You can find it in the poultice corner of the pharmacy, rather than the pain relief corner.
30. KENALOG (ケナログ) [Medicine，Oral Medicine]
A very effective medicine for mouth ulcers. Kenalog was designed to be very sticky to stay on the area being treated and not be removed by saliva. There are internal medicines for mouth ulcers as well, but if you already have one, Kenalog is the medicine to take.
31. ANERON (アネロン) [Medicine，Car Sickness Medicine]
While there are various types of motion sickness medicine, Aneron Nyskap has the fullest ingredients so you can count on its effectiveness. It was also designed to have a long lasting effect, making it ideal for long distance travel.
32. TRAVELMIN FAMILY (トラベルミンファミリー) [Medicine，Car Sickness Medicine]
For families with children, we recommend Travelmin Family. It can be used by both children and adults, and the fact that it can be taken without water is very convenient. While it is only for children aged 5 and over, children under the age of 5 generally don’t get car sick, so there is no need for medicine for them.
33. RiUP X5 (リアップＸ５) [Medicine，Hair Medication]
The RiUp series is Japan’s only external medicine whose hair growth effect has been recognized. Typically, the effect can be felt after approximately 3 months of use, so continuing to use it without giving up is important. It is an over-the-counter drug, so it can only be bought at stores with a pharmacist present during the opening hours.
34. ROHTO V11 (ロートＶ11) [Medicine，Eye Drops]
Various different types of eye drops are available from a number of different manufacturers, but out of these, one of the most effective is Rohto V11. It contains 11 types of ingredients, and gives a pleasant cooling sensation when used. Ideal for tired eyes from looking at smartphone and PC screens for too long.
35. Sante Beauteyeサンテボーティエ [Medicine，Eye Drops]
In a stylish container like a perfume bottle, and with a faint fragrance of roses, this is a popular product with ladies. But it is not just the look and the scent that makes this a hit - it contains ingredients that are very effective in soothing your tired eyes. Ideal for people who like gentle eye drops.
36. MyTear ALPITATTO EXα (マイティアアルピタットＥＸα) [Medicine，Eye Drops]
A new eye medicine release in spring 2015 for people with allergies, such as hay fever. It contains ingredients to protect the eyes, and reduce itchiness and swelling, and is one of the most effective eye medicines on the market. There are 2 types available - cool and mild - which you can choose according to your tastes.
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37. Ekivan (エキバン) [Medicine，Skin Medicine]
A medicine for chapping, cuts and other skin problems. Although it slightly stings after applying it, it quickly dries and provides a covering for the wound. For when you want to protect an cut or a scrape.
38. BETNEVATE N Ointment (ベトネベートＮ軟膏) [Medicine，Skin Medicine]
Betnevate is a general purpose ointment that contains steroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics, and has a wide variety of applications. It can be used on rashes, monitor burns, insect bites, hives, heat rash and any other skin problems that come with inflammation.
39. TERAMAISIN Ointment (テラマイシン軟膏) [Medicine，Skin Medicine]
An ointment containing 2 types of antibiotics, suitable for weeping injuries. It can be used on a wide variety of injuries, from simple cuts and scrapes to bleeding rashes. It is a good idea to keep some in the house.
40. Enkuron UF Cream (エンクロンＵＦクリーム) [Medicine，Skin Medicine]
This ointment doesn’t contain steroids, so it can be used on delicate regions, and even on infants. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, so you can be sure of its effectiveness and safety. Great for rashes and itchiness.
Next： No.41-50 Further OTC Medicines from Drugstores in Japan
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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