Turkish Pharmacy Guide: Best Medicines & Supplements

What to Buy at a Turkish Pharmacy: Medicines and Supplements for Travelers

A practical guide based on recommendations from a Turkish pharmacist

Traveling to Turkey isn't just about beaches, food, and culture — it's also an opportunity to explore one of the most affordable and well-developed pharmaceutical markets in the region. Turkish pharmacies offer a wide range of supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medicines that often cost less than in Europe or the CIS.

This guide is based on insights from a Turkish pharmacist and will help you understand what is worth buying, which products are popular, and how to avoid counterfeits.

Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication or supplements.

Why Tourists Buy Medicines and Supplements in Turkey

• Affordable prices compared to Europe and Russia
• High quality standards among local manufacturers
• Wide selection of over-the-counter vitamins and supplements
• Popular brands (e.g., Orzax, Max4Life) that are often more expensive or harder to find elsewhere

However, dosages and product lines may differ from what you're used to, so it's essential to understand what to buy.

What to Buy in a Turkish Pharmacy

1. Magnesium: for sleep, nerves, and muscles

Turkey offers several highly bioavailable forms of magnesium:

• Glycinate — for anxiety, stress relief, and better sleep
• Malate — for energy and reducing fatigue
• Citrate — for digestion and muscle cramps

Many Turkish formulas combine:

• magnesium + vitamin B6
• mixed magnesium forms (e.g., glycinate + malate)

Typical dosage: 200–250 mg per tablet. You can take two daily if needed.

Tip: Choose complex magnesium formulas with B6. Avoid products with extremely low doses.

2. Vitamin D3 (preferably with K2)

Vitamin D is widely available in drops, capsules, and sprays.

Key points:

• Standard daily dose: 1,000–2,000 IU
• High doses (20,000–50,000 IU) — only if prescribed
• D3 + K2 formulas offer better bone and vascular support

Common myth:

Some travelers think Turkish vitamin D is "weak."
Not true — Turkish products simply come in moderate daily doses.

Tip: Choose D3 + K2 at 1,000–2,000 IU.

3. Omega-3: for heart, brain, eyes

Turkish pharmacies offer a wide selection of fish oil and krill oil.

What to look for:

• EPA/DHA content, not total fish oil amount
• DHA ≥ 250 mg — good concentration
• IFOS certification — quality guarantee

Forms available:

• Krill oil — easier on the stomach, better absorption
• Omega-3 + Q10 — for cardiovascular health
• Kids' syrups — high DHA, pleasant taste

Tip: Choose capsules in dark/opaque bottles. Avoid transparent glass bottles — the oil oxidizes quickly.

4. Cold & flu remedies

The most popular format in Turkey is hot soluble powders.

Effective options:

• Tylol Hot Day — relieves congestion thanks to pseudoephedrine
• Tylol Hot C — includes vitamin C + caffeine for an energy boost

Note: Vitamin C does not treat colds; it only supports overall tone.

Tip: Tylol Hot Day is more effective for strong cold symptoms.

5. Weight-loss medications (Ozempic, Saxenda, Mounjaro)

These medications are available in Turkey, but stock varies.

Approximate prices:

• Ozempic: 7,100–7,900 TRY
• Saxenda: ~5,800 TRY
• Mounjaro: 9,000–11,900 TRY

Important: Use only under medical supervision. Often available on order — delivery to the pharmacy takes 3–4 hours. Dosage must be prescribed by a specialist.

Tip: Never start these medications without consulting a doctor.

6. Products for varicose veins

Popular and effective options include:

• Daflon (500 mg) — diosmin + hesperidin
• Venodiol — similar formula with added vitamin C
• Creams and gels — for mild symptoms and daily relief

Tip: For stronger symptoms — Venodiol. For prevention — creams and gels are enough.

7. Hair loss treatments

Turkey is a global leader in hair restoration; the pharmacy assortment is extensive.

Effective solutions:

• Bioxin — shampoos, serums, supplements
• Minoxidil — stimulates hair growth

Important: Minoxidil can cause shedding after abrupt discontinuation — reduce dosage gradually. Do NOT use injectable vitamins at home — it's unsafe.

Tip: Bioxin — for mild hair loss. Minoxidil — for more serious cases.

8. Memory & cognitive support

Turkish pharmacies offer solid options for focus, memory, and stress resistance:

• High-DHA omega-3
• Ginkgo biloba (120 mg)
• Citicoline — improves memory and concentration
• L-theanine, tryptophan — for stress and students

Tip: Combine citicoline + ginkgo for best effect.

9. Men's health

Options available:

• Viagra and generics — safe when used correctly
• Herbal pastes (macaon / macun) — contain lots of sugar and sometimes hidden stimulants

Tip: It's safer to choose official pharmacy products, not herbal mixtures.

How to Avoid Counterfeits

• Buy only from licensed pharmacies.
• Check packaging and seals.
• Avoid suspiciously low prices.
• Do not buy supplements from marketplace sellers.
• Stick to reputable brands.

Useful Tips for Travelers

• Prices may change due to inflation — check at the pharmacy.
• Dosages may differ from your home country — always read the label.
• Pharmacies in tourist areas often speak English and Russian.
• Before flying home, check your country's customs limits.

Conclusion

Turkish pharmacies offer a wide selection of high-quality supplements and medications — from vitamins and magnesium to hair-loss treatments and prescription drugs. By choosing established brands, buying only in official pharmacies, and consulting professionals, travelers can benefit from excellent products at affordable prices.

Travel enriches not only your experiences, but also your approach to health.