Out-of-Hours Pharmacy Schedule – Apotheek Oud Zuid – Amsterdam (2024)

FAQs

How to buy medicine in Amsterdam? ›

A pharmacy will provide medicines by prescription. You can local pharmacies if you search for “Apotheken” near you. You do not have to register with a specific pharmacy, but your doctor will need to know where to send your prescriptions for you to pick up.

In the Netherlands, general practitioners do not often prescribe antibiotics; they carefully assess exactly what you need. In the Netherlands, antibiotics are available only on prescription. You can't buy them over the counter as you might be used to in your home country.

The pharmacy is located in Departures 2 in Schiphol Centre and is open 24/7 as are all our medical services – in case of emergencies. Besides prescription medication, our pharmacy holds medication you can get without a prescription. For example, painkillers and medication for general colds, allergies and insect bites.

Pharmacies in Amsterdam (Apotheek)

You can only buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists and supermarkets without a prescription.

Paracetamol is available everywhere, including in supermarkets. Paracetamol with codeïne is however only available from pharmacies on prescription basis. There's a doctors office at the main train station if you need an opiate prescription.

Prescription medicines that you get from your doctor and pharmacy are always safe. In the Netherlands, only they are allowed to prescribe and supply prescription drugs. They will also tell you how you should use the medicine. Health insurers only provide cover for medicines supplied by legal pharmacies.

Medicines that have a narcotic effect require a certificate. These include sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD medication and medicinal cannabis. Ask your family doctor or pharmacy whether you need a certificate for your medication.

In the Netherlands, doctors are less likely to prescribe antibiotics and other medication compared to what you may be accustomed to. Evidence shows it is often best to let an illness run its course without tests and medication, that often have harmful side effects.

Kruidvat was by far the largest drugstore chain in the Netherlands in 2020, operating with nearly 1,000 stores in all parts of the country.

Is there passport control in Amsterdam airport? ›

Most travellers at Schiphol have to pass through passport control, except those travelling to or from a Schengen country. However, you should always carry a valid passport or identity card when travelling by air. Please do not forget to check whether you need other travel documents, such as a visa.

If you follow the signs to First Aid from Lounge 2 or from Holland Boulevard, you will arrive at the shower cabins in the EF filter. Here you can use the shower cabins 24/7 (free of charge). For an extended shower, a quick refresher or just to wash your feet. Note: there are no towels or toiletries provided.

You can bring most medicines with you to the Netherlands as long as you can prove that they are for your own use. You should however follow the rules for bringing medicines with you. Medicines that have a narcotic effect are listed in the Opium Act.

Recent studies found that 21 percent of Amsterdam's population has used marijuana in the past year and 17 percent had used "hard drugs" such as cocaine and ecstasy, it said. Health authorities estimate up to 70% of people attending dance festivals may use ecstasy, it said.

You need a prescription from your GP for all methods of contraception, except for condoms and the morning-after pill. Once you have a prescription, you can buy birth control pills and get refills at your local pharmacy (apotheek). The most widely used form of contraception in the Netherlands is the birth control pill.

Over-the-counter medicines can be obtained without a prescription (OTC). If you sell them in the Netherlands, you must adhere to the provisions of the Medicines Act and the Medicines Act Regulations. Which medicine you may sell, depends on the point of sale.

Call 112: In life-threatening situations, call the emergency helpline by dialing 112. An ambulance, fire department or police will be dispatched to help you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call a text equivalent via 0800 8112.