Why Label Reading Matters
Japanese OTC medicine is very effective — but using it incorrectly due to language barriers can be risky. This guide gives you the essential vocabulary to use medication safely.
OTC Drug Classification
Every Japanese OTC medicine displays one of these labels:
| Label | Class | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 第1類医薬品 | Class 1 | Strongest OTC. Must be sold by pharmacist. |
| 第2類医薬品 | Class 2 | Common OTC. Pharmacist consultation recommended. |
| 第3類医薬品 | Class 3 | Mild OTC. General items. |
| 指定第2類医薬品 | Class 2 (designated) | Specific precautions required. |
For tourists: Class 2 (第2類) covers most commonly needed medicines — pain relievers, cold medicine, anti-diarrheal, etc.
Key Kanji on Drug Labels
Dosage Instructions (用法・用量)
- 用法・用量 (yōhō yōryō): Dosage instructions
- 成人 (seijin): Adults (usually 15+ years)
- 1回 (ikkai): Per dose / per time
- 1日 (ichinichi): Per day
- 食後 (shokugo): After meals
- 食前 (shokuzen): Before meals
- 就寝前 (shūshin mae): Before bed
Example reading: 「1回2錠、1日3回、食後」= "2 tablets, 3 times a day, after meals"
Warnings (使用上の注意)
- 使用上の注意 (shiyō-jō no chūi): Usage precautions
- してはいけないこと: Do NOT do this
- 相談すること: Consult your doctor/pharmacist
- 妊婦 (ninpu): Pregnant women
- 授乳中 (junyū-chū): Breastfeeding
- 小児 (shōni): Children
- 高齢者 (kōreisha): Elderly
Common Symptoms / Uses
- 解熱鎮痛 (kainetsu chintsū): Fever reduction + pain relief
- かぜ (kaze): Cold
- 鼻水 (hanamizu): Runny nose
- せき (seki): Cough
- 胃痛 (itsū): Stomach pain
- 下痢 (geri): Diarrhea
- 頭痛 (zutsū): Headache
- 眠気 (nemuke): Drowsiness ⚠️
Active Ingredients (成分)
- 成分・分量 (seibun bunryō): Ingredients and amounts
- アセトアミノフェン: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- イブプロフェン: Ibuprofen
- ロキソプロフェン: Loxoprofen (stronger NSAID)
The Drowsiness Warning 💤
This is the most important warning for tourists:
「この薬は眠気を催すことがあります」 = "This medicine may cause drowsiness"
Look for 眠気 (nemuke) on labels. If present, do NOT drive or operate machinery.
Quick Reference Card
Print or screenshot this for your trip:
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 第2類医薬品 | Daini-rui | Common OTC medicine |
| 1回2錠 | Ikkai ni-jō | 2 tablets per dose |
| 食後 | Shokugo | After meals |
| 妊婦禁忌 | Ninpu kinki | Prohibited for pregnant women |
| 眠気注意 | Nemuke chūi | Causes drowsiness |
When in Doubt
Use the AI Chat feature in this app to ask about specific medications, or use the Pharmacist Card feature to show a pharmacist your symptoms in Japanese.