Medications not allowed in Costa Rica
Costa Rica maintains strict regulations concerning the importation of medicines and pharmaceuticals to ensure public health and safety. Below is a summary of the key points regarding prohibited and restricted medicines in Costa Rica:
List of Medications Not Allowed in Costa Rica
- Ketamine, as mentioned earlier
- Crack cocaine, although not explicitly listed, falls under the category of controlled substances
- Synthetic drugs, although not explicitly listed, fall under the category of controlled substances
Here is a list of medications that are not allowed in Costa Rica based on the provided search results:
- There is no comprehensive list of medications that are not allowed in Costa Rica. However, all cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, natural products with pharmaceutical use, and medicines must comply with regulations and require permission from the corresponding ministry before entering the country.
- It is important to note that some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Travelers are advised to call Costa Rica’s embassy to verify that all of their prescription(s) are legal to bring with them.
- Travelers are also advised to bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) they think they might need during their trip, including extra in case of travel delays. They should ask their doctor to help them get prescriptions filled early if needed.
Restricted Medicines
All cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, natural products with pharmaceutical use, and medicines must comply with regulations and require permission from the corresponding ministry before entering the country.
We also recommend reading What can you not bring to Costa Rica? and What to pack for Costa Rica
General Advice for Travelers
- Consult Costa Rica’s Embassy to verify that all prescriptions are legal to bring with you
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays
- Ask your doctor to help you fill prescriptions early if you need to
- Carry a contact card containing the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of your doctors and pharmacies
- Ensure that prescriptions include generic names
Where can I get OTC medication in Costa Rica?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available in Costa Rica, and they can be purchased without a prescription from various locations, including pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and mini-marts. Common OTC medications in Costa Rica include:
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): Pain reliever and fever reducer
- Ibuprofen: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief and reducing inflammation
- Loperamide: Antidiarrheal medication
- Cetirizine: Antihistamine for allergy symptom relief
- Antacids: Heartburn and indigestion treatments
- Multi-vitamins: Nutrient supplements
Prescription medications are regulated in Costa Rica, and travelers are encouraged to carry enough of their necessary medications for the duration of their trip, along with a copy of their prescription and a letter from their physician detailing the necessity of each medication.
To find OTC medications in Costa Rica, travelers can look for well-known brand names, as these are typically carried across pharmacies and other retailers. Keep in mind that not all medications available in one country will necessarily be available in another, so it is advisable to check with a local pharmacy or conduct thorough research prior to departure.
Additional Resources
For up-to-date information on Costa Rica’s import regulations, travelers should refer to the Costa Rican Customs Broker in the national tariff system.
