Which medicines can I buy without a prescription?
Conditional: many medicines are sold without a prescription (MNSRM), but antibiotics and most need one. The basis is the Medicines Statute (DL 176/2006). MNSRM (non-prescription) are sold in pharmacies and parapharmacies; MNSRM-EF need no prescription but are pharmacy-exclusive, with a pharmacist protocol. You have a right to the generic: the prescription is by active substance and the pharmacy must offer the cheapest options, and you can pick any with the same composition. The paperless prescription is the norm (you get a code by SMS/email). Antibiotics always need a prescription (MSRM) — never sold freely. In short: MNSRM without a prescription, antibiotics only with one.
📋 The rules
- MNSRM (no prescription): pharmacies and parapharmacies
- MNSRM-EF: no prescription, but pharmacy-only
- Right to the generic: cheapest options, same substance
- Paperless prescription is the norm (code by SMS/email)
- Antibiotics: always need a prescription (MSRM)
🔓 Exceptions
- MNSRM-EF: pharmacy-exclusive dispensing, with a protocol
- Generic substitution blocked for narrow-margin drugs
- Some MNSRM remain pharmacy-only
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "fine" for the consumer — the issue is what you can or can't buy without a prescription. MNSRM aren't reimbursed (you pay the free-market price). INFARMED inspects and can close unregistered sales points (supply side), but the consumer isn't fined. Beware myths: it's not Brazil's "MIP" or ANVISA's "interchangeability" — in Portugal they're MNSRM; and it's false that antibiotics are sold without a prescription in Portugal (they always need a medical prescription). To stay compliant: for mild symptoms, ask the pharmacist for an MNSRM; for antibiotics or prescription medicines, see a doctor first for the paperless prescription; and use your right to the generic to pay less.
📎 Official sources
- Decree-Law 176/2006 — Medicines Statute →
- INFARMED — MNSRM sales points →
- SNS — paperless prescription →
❓ Frequently asked
Which medicines can I buy without a prescription?
You can buy medicines not subject to a prescription, the MNSRM, such as many painkillers and products for mild symptoms. They're sold in pharmacies and also in parapharmacies and other registered points. There are also MNSRM exclusively dispensed in pharmacies, which need no prescription but are only sold in the pharmacy.
Are antibiotics sold without a prescription?
No. Antibiotics are prescription-only medicines and are never sold freely, not even in parapharmacies. It's a myth that they can be bought without a prescription in Portugal. The prescription requirement helps combat antibiotic resistance and inappropriate use, protecting public health.
Do I have a right to the generic medicine?
Yes. The prescription is, as a rule, made by active substance, and the pharmacy must inform you of and provide the cheapest options with the same composition. You can choose any medicine with the same substance and dose, including the generic, exercising your right to pay less.
What is the paperless prescription?
It's the dematerialised medical prescription, where you don't get a paper but a code, usually by SMS, email or the SNS app. It's mandatory for all prescribers, including private ones. With that code and your number, you collect the medicines at the pharmacy you choose.
Where are non-prescription medicines sold?
Non-prescription medicines can be sold in pharmacies and also in parapharmacies and other authorised sales points registered with INFARMED. There is, however, a category of non-prescription medicines that are exclusively dispensed in pharmacies, as they require the pharmacist's advice.
🔎 Common searches
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