Common medicines in Japan

Check Chinese and Japanese medicine names, common uses and key precautions by active ingredient. Do not identify medicines solely by brand or packaging.

Check the ingredient, not the packaging

The same ingredient may have different brands, strengths or forms in China and Japan. Bring packaging photos, the generic name, dose, daily frequency and reason for use. The examples explain how to look up medicines; they are not recommendations.

Fever and pain relief

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Japanese generic name:アセトアミノフェン

Check for duplicate ingredients, liver disease and alcohol use. Children's and adults' doses differ.

Allergy symptoms

Fexofenadine

Japanese generic name:フェキソフェナジン

Some products are prescription-only or over the counter. Check drowsiness, other medicines and age suitability.

Acid-related symptoms

Vonoprazan

Japanese generic name:ボノプラザン

Usually requires a doctor's assessment. Do not use long term on your own because symptoms seem similar.

Type 2 diabetes

Metformin

Japanese generic name:メトホルミン

Prescription medicine. Kidney function, contrast imaging, dehydration and surgery may require special management.

Hypertension

Amlodipine

Japanese generic name:アムロジピン

Prescription medicine. A doctor determines the dose and combinations. Do not stop or increase it yourself.

Lipid disorders

Rosuvastatin

Japanese generic name:ロスバスタチン

Prescription medicine. Muscle symptoms, liver and kidney function, and interactions require medical assessment.

Do not buy, switch, stop or change doses based on this page. Prescription medicines require medical assessment. For OTC products, tell the pharmacist or registered seller about conditions, allergies and all medicines you use.