2024: 10 Japanese Pharmaceuticals to Buy!

This article details the classification of Japanese over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and how to buy pharmaceuticals! A comprehensive list of Japanese pharmaceuticals that are currently on sale.
A roundup of the best-selling Japanese pharmaceuticals of the moment, including the 10 most popular & unique must-buy drugs in Japan in 2024!

Japan cross-border e-commerce site DOKODEMO starts selling Class 1 drugs!

When purchasing Class 1 drugs in Japan, the pharmacist must provide the patient with information on how to take the medication and precautions for use. Due to language barriers, these drugs are more difficult for overseas customers to purchase.

Now, with the multilingual support of Shop Pharmacists, you can buy Class 1 drugs online without having to go to Japan!

▶ Here is DOKODEMO 1st class drug purchase steps.

Table of Contents

• Japanese over-the-counter drug classification, how to buy drugs
• Class 1 drugs:recommended product
• Class 2 drugs: recommended product
• Designated Class 2 Popular Drugs：recommended product
• Class 3 drugs: recommended product
• Recommended list of Japanese drugs

Classification of over-the-counter drugs in Japan, how to purchase drugs

Japanese over-the-counter drugs (Japanese OTC drugs)

OTC drugs are classified based on an evaluation of risk in terms of ingredients, difficulty of use, interactions (combinations), side effects, and other factors. OTC drugs are categorized based on their risk assessment of such factors as ingredients, difficulty of use, interactions (combinations), side effects, and so on.

Here is the classification of OTC drugs in Japan.

OTC Drug Classification	Corresponding Professional	Customer Instructions	Net Sales	Docodemo Sales
drugs requiring special instructions	pharmacist	information provided in person and in writing	not available	×
Class 1 Drugs	Pharmacist	Information in Writing	Available	◯
Class 2 Drugs(including designated Class 2)	Pharmacist or Registered Sales Person	duty to endeavor	Yes	◯
Class 3 Drugs	Pharmacist or Registered Sales Person	No Legal Regulations	Yes	◯

Drugs requiring special instructions

Since this is the first OTC drug to appear on the market, it must be sold with caution. Therefore, pharmacists are required to listen to the information provided by consumers and explain the drug in writing in person when selling it.
For this reason, sales over the Internet, etc. are not allowed. In stores, the drug must be displayed in a place that is not readily accessible to consumers so that they do not purchase the drug without hearing the pharmacist's explanation.

Class 1 Drugs

Items that require special attention in terms of safety in terms of side effects, interactions, etc. In stores, these drugs are to be displayed out of immediate reach of consumers to prevent them from purchasing them without hearing the pharmacist's explanation. Sales are limited to pharmacists, and retailers are required to provide written information.

Class 2 Drugs

Items that require attention in terms of safety in terms of side effects, interactions, etc. Among these, those that require more attention are designated Class 2 drugs. Class 2 drugs include many products that are highly necessary in daily life, such as major cold remedies, fever reducers, and pain relievers. Information provided by specialists is obligatory as an effort.

Designated Class 2 Drugs

Designated Class 2 drugs are those with the “2” in the second category surrounded by zeros or □. Many of our mainstay products such as cold remedies (common cold remedies) and hemorrhoid remedies fall under this category of Class 2 drugs.

Class 3 Drugs

OTC drugs other than those equivalent to Class 1 or 2 drugs in terms of side effects, interactions, etc.

Pharmacist: A pharmacist is a nationally licensed drug specialist. They can handle all pharmaceuticals, including ethical drugs, drugs requiring special instructions, and class 1 drugs.

Recommended products of First-Class Drugs

As OTC drugs, Class 1 drugs require special attention in terms of safety in terms of side effects and taking together. It cannot be purchased without information provided by a pharmacist.Examples of medicines: some antipyretic and analgesic drugs, hair products and nicotine patches, etc.

Ophthalmic drug containing the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate
Hyalurane® S is an eye drop for “eye fatigue,” “dry eyes,” and “blurred vision” caused by unstable tears. When tears tend to evaporate easily and become unstable due to decreased blinking or wearing contact lenses, it can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, and other unpleasant symptoms such as “eye fatigue. Sodium hyaluronate, the active ingredient in Hyalain® S, has a high water retention function and moisturizes the eyes, improving such unpleasant symptoms as “eye fatigue,” “dry eyes,” and “blurred vision.

• Japanese product name: Hyalurane S 5mL x 1 bottle
• Effects and Indications: Relief of the following symptoms of the eyes: dryness, foreign body sensation (colicky/prickly feeling), fatigue, blurred vision, discomfort when wearing soft or hard contact lenses
• Dosage form: Eye drops

One tablet at a time works fast and well for headache, menstrual cramps, and toothache. It does not contain sedative ingredients that make you sleepy.
Loxonin S is designed to reduce the burden on the stomach by passing through the stomach in its “unchanged” form, which is less likely to stimulate the gastric mucosa. It is then absorbed into the body and converted to its “active form” to exert its effects.

• Japanese product name: Loxonin S 12 tablets
• Effects/Indications: Headache, menstrual cramps (menstrual pain), toothache, pain after tooth extraction, sore throat, back pain, joint pain, neuralgia, muscle pain, stiff shoulder pain, earache, bruise pain, fracture pain, sprain pain, analgesia for trauma pain, antifebrile for chills and fever
• Dosage form: tablet

This is a different type of gastrointestinal drug from stomach acid-neutralizing gastrointestinal drugs, and has an excellent effect on stomach pain and lethargy. It controls excessive gastric acid production, which causes stomach discomfort, and promotes the repair of gastric mucosa. It is conveniently packaged in small packets for easy portability.

• Japanese product name: Gaster 10 12 packets
• Effect/Indications: Stomach pain, lethargy, heartburn, itching (this drug contains H2 blocker drugs)
• Dosage form: tablet or spray

Recommended products of Class 2 drugs

Class 2 drugs are those that require attention in terms of safety in terms of side effects, interactions, and other items. Those that require more attention are classified as designated category 2 drugs.

• Japanese product name: Pair Acne Cream W
• Characteristics: A topical treatment that also treats acne with inflammation and redness. The cream glides easily onto the skin and becomes transparent, so makeup can be applied over it. The cream blends easily into the skin and is not sticky, so it can be used in the morning and evening after washing the face, or before going out or when going out.
• Effects/Indications: Relief of pimples and acne
• Dosage form: Ointment

Recommended products of designated category 2 drugs

Designated Class 2 drugs are those with the “2” in the second category surrounded by zeros or □. Many of our mainstay products, such as cold remedies (common cold remedies) and hemorrhoid remedies, fall under this category of Class 2 drugs.

• Japanese product name: Pabron Gold A Fine Granule 44 packets
• Characteristics: Contains 7 active ingredients. A fine granule formulation that dissolves in the mouth. Drowsiness and other symptoms may occur.
• Effects and Indications: Relief of various symptoms of cold (cough, dandruff, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, chills, fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain)
• Dosage form: fine granule or tablet

• Japanese product name: COLIHOGUS 16 tablets
• Characteristics: An oral medication that firmly and quickly relieves painful stiff shoulders. Chlorzoxazone, a muscle relaxant ingredient, loosens stiff muscles from the inside to relieve stiff shoulders. The pain-relieving ingredient “ethenzamide” relieves painful shoulder and neck stiffness.
• Effects and Indications: Relief of pain and stiffness in the shoulders and neck, lumbago, back pain, sprains, bruises, neuralgia/rheumatic pain, shoulder pain, arthralgia, myositis, tendonitis
• Dosage form: tablet

Recommended products of designated category 3 drugs

• Japanese product name: Alinamin EX Plus 270 Tablets
• Characteristics: Contains the vitamin B1 derivative fursultiamine, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, which are closely related to nerve and muscle function, and vitamin E, which improves blood circulation. For the purpose of supplementing vitamin B1, B6, and B12 when the body is tired, it can be taken daily if the dosage and administration are observed and the effects are felt in the body.
• Effects/Indications:
  Relief of eyestrain, muscle and joint pain (stiff shoulders, lumbago, frozen shoulders, etc.), neuralgia, and numbness in the hands and feet.
  Supplementation of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 during physical exhaustion, during and after illness, and during pregnancy and lactation.
• Dosage form: tablet

• Japanese product name: Royhi Tsubo Ointment, large size type, 78 sheets
• Characteristics: Snugly on the affected area! Promotes blood circulation with warm stimulation! Warm plaster that relieves symptoms of stiff shoulders and back pain by improving blood circulation with the warm stimulation of the active ingredient (wanillylamide nonylate)
• Effects and indications: Relief of stiff shoulders, back pain, bruises, sprains, joint pain, muscle pain, muscle fatigue, frostbite, and bone fracture pain
• Dosage form: Plaster

• Japanese product name: Medicare Cool Throat 6ml
• Characteristics: A spray-type topical oral solution that keeps hands clean. For mouth ulcers and sore throats. For hard-to-reach affected areas. Contains anti-inflammatory ingredient azulene. Treats wherever and whenever it bothers you.
• Effects and Indications: Mouth ulcers, sore throat due to throat inflammation, sore throat, throat swelling, throat discomfort, relief of hoarseness.
• Dosage form: Spray

*Note: Product information in the article is subject to change. The latest information is in accordance with the manufacturer's official website.