Can you find ibuprofen in China?

Have you ever wondered what medicines are available over the counter in China? It was more controlled during the pandemic to track cases, but you can buy it easily now on your phone (as of February 2024). Ibuprofen, cold medicine, birth control, and allergy medications are all available OTC and for cheap or free delivery in China.

As a former frequent migraine sufferer and a current sufferer of endometriosis, Advil–or ibuprofen, as its generic name goes–is my best friend. Now that I’ve lived in China for years, I have a little note on my phone with medicine that I look up and buy frequently (because we do this on our phones, in addition to grocery shopping and having dinner delivered for 50 cents to a dollar a pop). I’ll talk about the Chinese equivalent of Zyrtec later, but today, let’s focus on Chinese ibuprofen. Read on to know how to look up ibuprofen on Meituan.

What is Meituan (美团)?

Meituan is one of the must-have apps to use if you live in China. This app and Éleme are the main ones used by local people to buy goods. I say “local” because many foreigners who are less familiar with Chinese use JSS or Sherpa’s, but those apps–while wonderfully convenient, with great customer service–offer FAR fewer items for sale and have insane delivery fees (for China–by US standards, their fees of 10-80 yuan, or $1.50-$12, aren’t so insane).

I don’t even know if you can buy medicine on the apps for foreigners, though. The nice thing is that if you are comfortable with translating screen shots, you can save a LOT of money, and Meituan offers a TON of discounts. (I routinely pay $3 for $14 worth of coupons, and here, if you don’t use a coupon, they refund you the remaining amount!)

How do you buy medicine on Meituan?

I used to use my KT Dict C->E app, but many foreigners use PLECO, to look up the Chinese names of medicines in English.

1. Type “ibuprofren” in to the English-Chinese dictionary.
2. On KT Dict C-E, tap on the Chinese, and then on the little wrench in the upper right-hand corner.

3. Tap “Copy 布洛芬“ and open Meituan.
4. Tap on the little mouse over the word “外卖“ (waimai, which means food delivery).

5. Copy and paste the Chinese into the Search
6. Choose the closest or cheapest option!

In both Hangzhou and Beijing, pharmacy delivery is particularly fast. I’m not sure why but I love it!

*I am NOT a doctor or in any way licensed to distribute medicine, so please make your own responsible choices! This is information shared for entertainment only ;). *

Disclaimer done, please pay close attention to the dosing. Both common forms of ibuprofen here come in stronger doses than the generic red ibuprofen pills that I take in the US–usually 300mg or 400 mg a pill. In addition, I always eat before taking medicine–thus the inspiration for the Short that led to this post!

That’s it! In the future, I’ll share how to order Zyrtec, other allergy meds and birth control. Click or tap here to sign up for future post alerts, and also get the free Quick Reference Guide to China, if you so desire!