MEDICINE FINDER

Know what is in the box.

Japanese over-the-counter medicines, explained from the label, with the brands you know from home.

Look up Japanese over-the-counter medicines by name, ingredient or the brand you use at home.

This shows what each box’s label says: active ingredients, the label’s own uses and the sales class. It does not tell you what to take. Show the box to the pharmacist and ask before you buy, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant or are buying for a child. Care Compass Japan provides navigational guidance, not medical diagnosis or treatment advice. If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or visit an accredited hospital/clinic.

Where to buy near you

Shows the closest pharmacies and drugstores and the nearest convenience stores. Most medicines are sold at drugstores and pharmacies; convenience stores mainly carry quasi-drugs and only some sell Class 2 or 3 medicines. Stock varies, so check in the store. Opening hours come from Google Maps. Your location is sent only to Google to look up stores.

1 Japanese products

Clear search

PR · Rakuten Ichiba, まいどドラッグ

Vantelin Kowa Gel α

バンテリンコーワゲルα

Class 2Skin and topicalgel

Made by Kowa

Active ingredients

Indomethacin, 10 mg per 1 g (1%) インドメタシン
l-Menthol, 60 mg per 1 g l-メントール
Arnica tincture, 5 mg per 1 g (1 mg as arnica) アルニカチンキ

Label says it is for: Shoulder pain, back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, tendonitis, elbow pain, bruises, sprains

Indomethacin is a strong NSAID: a topical OTC gel like this has no US shelf equivalent

Where to buy: Drugstores and pharmacies, and other shops, such as some convenience stores, while a pharmacist or registered seller (登録販売者) is on duty.

Barcode (JAN): 4987067289202