Feeling unwell late at night, or running out of a regular medicine, is stressful in a country whose language you may not speak. This guide explains how to find a 24-hour pharmacy in Brazil, what you can buy without a prescription, how to read a Brazilian medicine box, and what to do when the pharmacist asks for a receita (prescription).
Quick answer: search "farmácia 24 horas" in a maps app and confirm the hours. Many medicines for minor symptoms are sold over the counter, but antibiotics and many other medicines require a prescription from a physician registered in Brazil. Book an online consultation in English.
How to find a 24-hour pharmacy in Brazil
Search in Portuguese
Search for "farmácia 24 horas" or "farmácia aberta agora" (pharmacy open now) and check the listed opening hours and recent reviews, as hours change.
Ask at your hotel
Hotel and pousada reception staff usually know which pharmacy nearby is open at night, and which one delivers.
In smaller towns: the on-duty pharmacy
Where no pharmacy opens 24 hours, ask for the farmácia de plantão, the on-duty pharmacy for that night or weekend, or search "farmácia de plantão" with the name of the town.
Useful phrases at the counter
- "Precisa de receita?" – Does it need a prescription?
- "Tem genérico?" – Is there a generic?
- "Sou alérgico(a) a…" – I am allergic to…
- "Qual é o princípio ativo?" – What is the active ingredient?
What you can buy without a prescription in Brazil
Brazil classifies some medicines as MIPs (medicamentos isentos de prescrição), which can be sold without a prescription (regulation defining non-prescription medicines). The farmacêutico (pharmacist) can tell you which products fall into this group and advise on minor symptoms.
Bring the active ingredient (generic name) of what you use at home, not only the brand: brand names differ between countries.
How to read a Brazilian medicine box
- Yellow band with a stylised "G" and "Medicamento Genérico": a generic medicine (labelling rules for generics).
- "Venda sob prescrição médica – só pode ser vendido com retenção da receita": prescription-only and the pharmacy keeps the prescription, as with antibiotics (antimicrobial dispensing rules).
- Controlled medicines follow special forms and stricter rules (controlled substances regulation).
When a 24-hour pharmacy in Brazil asks for a prescription
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are dispensed only against a prescription, which the pharmacy retains, valid for 10 days from issue (current antimicrobial list and validity). The pharmacist cannot make exceptions.
Regular medicines and prescriptions from abroad
Many medicines for ongoing conditions are prescription-only. A prescription from your home country may not be accepted, so you may need one from a physician registered with a CRM in Brazil.
Controlled medicines
Medicines that require Brazil's blue (B1) or yellow (A) forms follow special rules. PresençaMed International already issues these digitally when the doctor considers them appropriate. B2 prescriptions are not issued.
Practical preparation for your trip
- keep a written list of the active ingredients and doses you take;
- carry your regular medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription;
- note your allergies in English and Portuguese;
- keep pharmacy receipts (nota fiscal) for travel insurance claims.
Do not self-medicate with prescription medicines; treatment decisions should be made with a doctor.
How an online consultation with PresençaMed International works
- Book and pay on the website: choose a time on the booking page. One price per consultation: US$ 50, by card (international cards accepted) or Pix. No CPF needed; your passport details are enough.
- At the time you chose, the doctor contacts you on WhatsApp and starts the video call.
- The consultation is in English or Spanish, every day from 8am to 10pm Brazil time (GMT-3), with a physician registered with the CRM.
- If the doctor considers it appropriate, prescriptions and documents are sent by e-mail. Most prescriptions are digital, including Brazil's blue (B1) and yellow (A) forms — PresençaMed already issues them digitally. B2 prescriptions are not issued.
A prescription is never guaranteed in advance: it always depends on the doctor's assessment, and sometimes the right recommendation is an in-person examination. Questions before booking? Use the form on our frequently asked questions page (please do not include clinical details there; health data is shared only in the consultation, under medical confidentiality and Brazil's data protection law).
Telehealth is authorised throughout Brazil (Brazilian telehealth law). See also medicines allowed in Brazil and blue and yellow prescriptions in Brazil.
When it is not a pharmacy matter
- chest pain, difficulty breathing or fainting;
- swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing after a medicine, food or sting;
- confusion, drowsiness or difficulty speaking;
- heavy bleeding or a serious injury.
In these situations call 192 (SAMU), the public emergency ambulance service, or go to the nearest emergency room.
A UPA 24h public urgent care unit is open around the clock for urgent conditions. More in what to do in a medical emergency in Brazil.
Frequently asked questions about pharmacies in Brazil
Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Brazil?
Yes, especially in larger cities. In small towns, look for the farmácia de plantão.
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription?
No. The pharmacy must retain a prescription, valid for 10 days.
Do I need a CPF to buy medicine?
Some pharmacies ask for it for loyalty discounts; you can say "não tenho CPF".
What if I need a prescription after 10pm?
Consultations run from 8am to 10pm Brazil time; you can book the next morning. For anything urgent, go to a UPA or emergency room or call 192.
Need a prescription in Brazil? Book an online consultation
Book your online consultation with a physician registered with the CRM, in English or Spanish, by video, every day from 8am to 10pm Brazil time. US$ 50 per consultation. Any prescription, certificate or report depends on the doctor's assessment.
Medical review: Dr. Marcelo R. Luján, Physician, CRM-SC 42.900, postgraduate in Family and Community Medicine (UNIFESP). Technical director of PresençaMed (Lujan e Perazolo Pera Serviços Médicos LTDA, CRM-SC PJ 14623). This content is general information and does not replace an individual consultation. Intense symptoms, or symptoms that worsen quickly, require in-person care or an emergency service (call 192, SAMU).