Drugstores & Health Aids
Expats in the Netherlands looking for Dutch drugstores, over-the-counter medicines, health aids or medical equipment can look to the suppliers listed below…
NAME | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
AEROVITO T: 085 529 6011 | Aerovito are Dutch specialists in air quality sensors, air purification systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, cooling and heating for home and business. They have developed consumer products based on years of experience working with hospitals and health care professionals. |
AMAZON NL | The Amazon Netherlands online marketplace offers an extensive drugstore range including O-T-C medication, vitamins, supplements, medical supplies and equipment, mobility aids, oral care devices, personal hygiene products and more. Free shipping over €20. |
bol.com | BOL.com is the largest online retailer in Holland. Here you can find health aids including medicines, dietary supplements, medical supplies, crutches, rollators, wheelchairs, heart rate and blood sugar monitors, defibrillators and more. Home delivery or pickup at a nearby Albert Heijn store or UPS service desk. |
DOKTERONLINE.com | DokterOnline.com offers online medical evaluations for sensitive personal health issues which may be difficult to discuss with a regular GP. If the online doctor determines the patient can be helped with medication, they will generate a prescription which will be filled by a pharmacy within the EU and the order will be delivered to the patient in the Netherlands. |
DROGIST.nl T: 011 325 3805 | Drogist.nl is an online drugstore in the Netherlands with an assortment of non-prescription medicines, vitamins, first aid supplies, homeopathic remedies, home testing devices, medical instruments and more. Delivery cost is free on orders over €20. |
DROGISTERIJ PLUS T: 029 776 0008 | Drogisterij Plus is a North Holland based drugstore with online shop selling personal health aids, make-up and perfume, diapers, cleaning supplies, household items and small appliances. Free shipping in Netherlands for orders over €60. |
ETOS T: 088 659 4245 | Etos is one of the biggest drugstore chains in Netherlands with hundreds of locations across the country. They sell all types of over-the-counter medicines, homeopathetic remedies, personal care items, vitamins and nutritional supplements. |
KRUIDVAT T: 031 879 8001 | Kruidvat is the largest drugstore chain in Netherlands and sells a wide range of self-care products to treat colds, flu, pain, cuts and abrasions, skin irritations, bug bites, indigestion, plus vitamin supplements, nutritional foods and more. Stores in all Dutch cities and towns. |
OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS IN NETHERLANDS
Medicines that are not considered dangerous are referred to as ‘zelfzorgmiddelen’ (over-the-counter health aids). They do not require a prescription and are typically sold in drugstores (drogisterij), pharmacies (apotheken), supermarkets and petrol station convenience shops.
The CBG (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen) is the Dutch medicines evaluation board. It categorizes a non-prescription medicine into one of three classes; this determines which retail channels can sell it…
- AV– can be sold in any channel
- UAD – can be sold in drugstores and pharmacies only
- UA – can be sold in pharmacies only
The CBG maintains the Geneesmiddeleninformatiebank (medicine information bank), a public database of all approved medicines including a full description, recommended dosage, adverse interactions with other medications and any known side effects from using it.
These are some common Dutch over-the-counter medicines sold in drugstores…
- diclofenacnatrium – anti-inflammatory pain reliever
- fluimucil – reduces phlegm and mucus related to colds
- Gaviscon – heartburn relief
- hoestdrank – cough syrup
- koortslip – cold sore medicine
- loperamide – anti-diarrhea medicine
- loratadine – hay fever (‘hooikoorts’) relief
- melatonine – sleep aid
- miconazolnitraat – anti-fungal creme
- neusspray = nasal spray
- noscapine – cough suppressant
- nurofen – pain relief with ibuprofen
- oogdruppels – eye drops
- pantoprazol – upset stomach relief
- paracetamol – pain reliever and fever reducer (also known as ‘acetaminophen’)
- Rennie – gas reliever
- strepsils – medicated lozenges for sore throat
- trachitol – lozenge tablets for sore throat
- zwangerschapstest – home pregnancy test
These are the Dutch names for select medical aids and devices…
- bloedglucosemeter – blood sugar tester
- douchezitje – shower seat
- krukken – crutches
- looprek – walker
- rolstoel – wheelchair
- wandelstok – walking cane
Related information…