What 82 common medicines are sold as in Mexico, 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
Banned: Do Not Bring1
Controlled (Rx)6
Rx only47
OTC / Rx7
No Rx: Ask Pharmacist2
OTC16
Unavailable3
In Mexico, many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and write a prescription on the spot for a small fee. So prescription medicines for everyday problems are easy to get without your own doctor.
Be careful buying antibiotics and opioid painkillers in Mexico. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk, because manufacturing and supply are not policed as tightly as in the US. Where you can, get these from your own pharmacy before you travel.
AmoxicillinAntibiotic, penicillinAsk forAmoxicilinaRx only
Formally Rx-only nationwide since August 25, 2010, though enforcement varies by pharmacy, especially near the border. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk in Mexico. If you can, get this at home before you travel.
SalbutamolBronchodilator, inhaledAsk forVentolin (salbutamol)Rx only
Called salbutamol in Mexico. Needs a prescription. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
Adderall itself is not registered in Mexico. The registered medicine in this family is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a controlled psychotropic that needs a special barcoded prescription.
BupropionAtypical antidepressant / smoking cessationAsk forWellbutrinRx only
Classed as a controlled psychotropic in Mexico. If you bring your own, keep it in the original labeled bottle and be ready to show it. Officially it should be declared at customs.
Hydrocodone / Paracetamol combinationOpioid analgesic combination, controlled substanceAsk forSold generic as "Hidrocodona" in some pharmaciesControlled (Rx)
The Doloff brand is not sold in Mexico, and no hydrocodone product is in the register file, though some pharmacies stock generics. Controlled: needs a special prescription. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk in Mexico. If you can, get this at home before you travel.
MeloxicamNSAID (arthritis)Ask forSold generic as "Meloxicam"Rx only
The Mobic brand is no longer registered in Mexico. Needs a prescription. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
As of 14 July 2026, Mexico reclassified tramadol under Article 245 Section III, roughly equivalent to a US Schedule IV drug. An ordinary prescription from any licensed physician is enough (no special barcode pad needed), but pharmacies must keep the prescription after 3 fills. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk in Mexico. If you can, get this at home before you travel.
OxycodoneOpioid analgesic, controlled substanceAsk forEndocodilGeneric name here: OxicodonaControlled (Rx)
Controlled substance requiring special prescription forms. The OxyContin brand is no longer registered in Mexico. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk in Mexico. If you can, get this at home before you travel.
DextromethorphanCough suppressant (dry cough)Ask forSold generic as "Dextrometorfano"OTC / Rx
Most cough products with it are sold without a prescription; some need one. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
SimeticoneAnti-gas (bloating)Ask forSold generic as "Simeticona"OTC / Rx
Most products are sold without a prescription; some need one. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
MeclozineAntiemetic / motion sicknessAsk forBonadoxinaGeneric name here: MeclozinaRx only
Bonadoxina also contains vitamin B6. Needs a prescription. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee.
Needs a prescription. Many pharmacies have a doctor’s office next door that can examine you and prescribe on the spot for a small fee. Counterfeit and substandard products are a known risk in Mexico. If you can, get this at home before you travel.