Destination · ET

Ethiopia

What 82 common medicines are sold as in Ethiopia, and whether you can buy them over the counter. Take extra care with anything controlled or banned if you're bringing your own.

Entry summary

Controlled (Rx)6
Rx only46
OTC / Rx2
No Rx: Ask Pharmacist1
OTC13
Unavailable14

Search within Ethiopia

MedicineAsk forStatus

ParacetamolAnalgesic / antipyreticAsk forPanadol, or generic "Paracetamol"OTC

Source: efda.gov.et ↗

IbuprofenNSAIDAsk forSold under the generic name "Ibuprofen"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

LoratadineAntihistamine, non-sedatingAsk forSold generic as "Loratadine"OTC

Cetirizine tablets are easier to find than loratadine.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

CetirizineAntihistamine, non-sedatingAsk forSold under the generic name "Cetirizine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

DiphenhydramineAntihistamine, sedatingAsk forSold generic as "Diphenhydramine"OTC / Rx

Sold without a prescription only in combination cough syrups. Plain diphenhydramine needs a prescription.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

LoperamideAntidiarrhealAsk forSold under the generic name "Loperamide"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

OmeprazoleProton pump inhibitorAsk forSold generic as "Omeprazole"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

PseudoephedrineDecongestantAsk forClarinase / Snip (combinations)OTC

Combined with an antihistamine or paracetamol. Plain pseudoephedrine is not registered.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

MelatoninSleep aid / hormoneAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

DimenhydrinateAntiemetic / motion sicknessAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

AmoxicillinAntibiotic, penicillinAsk forSold under the generic name "Amoxicillin"Rx only

Officially prescription-only, but pharmacies often sell it without one.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

MetforminAntidiabetic, biguanideAsk forSold generic as "Metformin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

SertralineSSRI antidepressantAsk forSold generic as "Sertraline"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

SalbutamolBronchodilator, inhaledAsk forSold under the generic name "Salbutamol"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

AtorvastatinStatin (cholesterol)Ask forSold generic as "Atorvastatin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

LevothyroxineThyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)Ask forSold generic as "Levothyroxine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

LisinoprilACE inhibitor (blood pressure)Ask forSold generic as "Lisinopril"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

AmlodipineCalcium channel blocker (blood pressure)Ask forSold generic as "Amlodipine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

MetoprololBeta blocker (blood pressure/heart)Ask forSold generic as "Metoprolol"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

LosartanARB (blood pressure)Ask forSold generic as "Losartan"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

GabapentinNerve pain / anticonvulsantAsk forSold generic as "Gabapentin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

RosuvastatinStatin (cholesterol)Ask forSold generic as "Rosuvastatin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

PantoprazoleProton pump inhibitorAsk forSold generic as "Pantoprazole"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

EscitalopramSSRI antidepressantAsk forSold generic as "Escitalopram"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Amphetamine / DextroamphetamineStimulant (ADHD), controlled substanceAsk forNot sold hereControlled (Rx)

HydrochlorothiazideDiuretic (blood pressure)Ask forSold generic as "Hydrochlorothiazide"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

BupropionAtypical antidepressant / smoking cessationAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

FluoxetineSSRI antidepressantAsk forSold generic as "Fluoxetine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

SemaglutideGLP-1 agonist (diabetes/weight)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

MontelukastLeukotriene modifier (asthma/allergy)Ask forSold generic as "Montelukast"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

TrazodoneAntidepressant (commonly used off-label for sleep)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

SimvastatinStatin (cholesterol)Ask forSold generic as "Simvastatin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

TamsulosinAlpha blocker (enlarged prostate)Ask forSold generic as "Tamsulosin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Hydrocodone / Paracetamol combinationOpioid analgesic combination, controlled substanceAsk forNot sold hereControlled (Rx)

FluticasoneCorticosteroid (nasal spray / inhaler)Ask forSold generic as "Fluticasone"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

MeloxicamNSAID (arthritis)Ask forSold generic as "Meloxicam"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

ApixabanAnticoagulant (blood thinner)Ask forSold generic as "Apixaban"Rx only

Probably hard to find.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

FurosemideLoop diureticAsk forSold generic as "Furosemide"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin GlargineLong-acting insulinAsk forSold generic as "Insulin glargine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin LisproRapid-acting insulinAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

Insulin AspartRapid-acting insulinAsk forSold generic as "Insulin aspart"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin Human (Regular)Short-acting insulinAsk forSold generic as "Soluble (regular) insulin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin Isophane (NPH)Intermediate-acting insulinAsk forSold generic as "NPH (isophane) insulin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin DetemirLong-acting insulinAsk forSold generic as "Insulin detemir"Rx only

The maker is withdrawing Levemir worldwide, so stock may be limited.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Insulin DegludecLong-acting insulinAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

DuloxetineSNRI antidepressantAsk forSold generic as "Duloxetine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

FamotidineH2 blocker (acid reflux)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

Antacids (aluminium or magnesium hydroxide) are sold without a prescription.

EmpagliflozinSGLT2 inhibitor (diabetes)Ask forSold generic as "Empagliflozin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

CarvedilolBeta blocker (heart failure / blood pressure)Ask forSold generic as "Carvedilol"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

TramadolOpioid analgesic, controlled substanceAsk forSold generic as "Tramadol"Controlled (Rx)

Needs a special prescription since 2022.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

AlprazolamBenzodiazepine (anxiety), controlled substanceAsk forNot sold hereControlled (Rx)

PrednisoneCorticosteroid (anti-inflammatory)Ask forSold generic as "Prednisone"Rx only

Prednisolone is more commonly used internationally.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

ClopidogrelAntiplatelet (blood thinner)Ask forSold generic as "Clopidogrel"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)NSAID / antiplateletAsk forSold under the generic name "Aspirin"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

OxycodoneOpioid analgesic, controlled substanceAsk forNot sold hereControlled (Rx)

MethylphenidateStimulant (ADHD), controlled substanceAsk forNot sold hereControlled (Rx)

NaproxenNSAIDAsk forSold generic as "Naproxen"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Diclofenac (topical gel)NSAID, topical (pain-relief gel)Ask forSold generic as "Diclofenac gel"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

FexofenadineAntihistamine, non-sedatingAsk forSold generic as "Fexofenadine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

GuaifenesinExpectorant (chesty cough)Ask forSold generic as "Guaifenesin"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

DextromethorphanCough suppressant (dry cough)Ask forSold generic as "Dextromethorphan"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Oxymetazoline (nasal spray)Nasal decongestant sprayAsk forSold generic as "Oxymetazoline"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Bismuth subsalicylateUpset stomach / traveler’s diarrheaAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

Bring what you need from home.

Calcium carbonate (antacid)Antacid (heartburn)Ask forRocalOTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

SimeticoneAnti-gas (bloating)Ask forSold generic as "Simethicone"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Oral rehydration saltsRehydration (diarrhea, heat, vomiting)Ask forOsmolyte, or generic "ORS"OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

BisacodylLaxative, stimulantAsk forSold generic as "Bisacodyl"OTC / Rx

Suppositories are sold without a prescription. Tablets need one.

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (macrogol)Laxative, osmoticAsk forMacroswift (with electrolytes)OTC

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

MeclozineAntiemetic / motion sicknessAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

Hydrocortisone (cream)Mild steroid cream (itch, rash, bites)Ask forSold generic as "Hydrocortisone cream"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

ClotrimazoleAntifungal cream (athlete’s foot, yeast)Ask forSold generic as "Clotrimazole"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Bacitracin / Neomycin / Polymyxin B (antibiotic ointment)Topical antibiotic (cuts and scrapes)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

Fusibran (fusidic acid) and Dermocin (mupirocin) are different antibiotics for the same use.

DoxylamineSleep aid (sedating antihistamine)Ask forSold generic as "Doxylamine"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Levonorgestrel (emergency contraception)Emergency contraceptiveAsk forPostpillNo Rx: Ask Pharmacist

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Atovaquone / ProguanilAntimalarial (prevention)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

Bring your full course from home.

DoxycyclineAntibiotic, tetracycline (also malaria prevention)Ask forSold under the generic name "Doxycycline"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

AzithromycinAntibiotic, macrolide (traveler’s diarrhea)Ask forSold under the generic name "Azithromycin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

CiprofloxacinAntibiotic, fluoroquinolone (traveler’s diarrhea)Ask forSold under the generic name "Ciprofloxacin"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

AcetazolamideAltitude sickness preventionAsk forSold generic as "Acetazolamide"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Scopolamine (motion-sickness patch)Antiemetic patch (motion sickness)Ask forNot sold hereUnavailable

Bring what you need from home.

OndansetronAntiemetic (nausea and vomiting)Ask forSold under the generic name "Ondansetron"Rx only

Source: eris.efda.gov.et ↗

Epinephrine (adrenaline auto-injector)Emergency treatment for severe allergic reactionsAsk forNot sold hereUnavailable

Only ampoules for clinic use are registered. Bring at least two auto-injectors from home.