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In urban areas there are two different types of pharmacies. There are those that primarily sell prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other products specifically related to the body. Then, there are multi-service pharmacies that sell health-related products as well as food and baked goods, magazines and often, even music. The latter are more like mini-supermarkets.

Controlled drugs and medicines must be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. Members of the pharmacy staff are generally not trained to give medical attention, although they sometimes do. It is important to know that once a prescription or a medicine has been purchased, it cannot be returned.

In big cities, there is usually a system whereby at least one pharmacy is open all night. Pharmacies generally take turns in being the “farmacia en guardia” so that medicines are available round the clock in an emergency. The local information line can be found in the phone book under emergency numbers.