Health product substitutes

Moving between countries can be tricky, especially when you can’t find your go-to remedies.
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you identify German equivalents for common South African health products.

Disclaimer

We are not medical professionals and do not provide medical advice.
While we work with a qualified pharmacist who is happy to answer general questions about substitutes for South African health products, we cannot give any information about prescription medication.

The items listed here are over-the-counter suggestions only and should not be taken as professional medical guidance.
Always consult your own doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication or treatment.
This information is intended solely to help you identify possible German alternatives to South African products — it is not a substitute for medical advice.

Online Pharmacies

There are many online pharmacies where you can buy “over-the-counter” medication.
Depending on your situation, you can also submit your prescriptions (Rezept) online and have them delivered to your home.

Substitute list

South African Product	Product Information	Possible German Alternative
Citro-Soda	“Citro-soda is a single solution for a variety of acid-related problems including heartburn, indigestion and the symptoms of UTI while combating of high uric acid levels which can lead to gout.” Each tablet contains: Sodium carbonate – 1690mg, Tartaric acid – 856mg, Citric acid – 700mg, Sodium citrate – 612mg, Liquid glucose – 447mg. German terms: Tartaric acid – Weinsäure Citric acid – Zitronensäure Sodium citrate – Natriumcitrat Sodium carbonate – Natriumcarbonat Heartburn etc – Sodbrennen, Verdauungsstörungen, Harnwegsinfektionen High uric acid – hohe Harnsäurespiegel, Gicht	Pharmacist can compound something similar, but best to discuss with your doctor.
Eno	Each 5.0g dose contains: sodium bicarbonate 2.32g, citric acid 2.18g, sodium carbonate 0.50g.	Ask for similar effervescent antacid powders at the pharmacy.
Med-Lemon	Aspirin 800 mg, Caffeine 50 mg, Vitamin C 45 mg, Menthol 2.6 mg, Sucrose 4254 mg.	Grippostad granules / Grippostad Heißgetränk
Deep Heat	Methyl Salicylate 12.8%, Menthol 5.91%.	Voltaren Forte Pferdesalbe Tiger Balm ThermaCare SOS Pain Stop Gel
Rescue Drops	Contains 8 ingredients incl. Ambra grisea, Banisteriopsis caapi (highly restricted in DE), Clematis, Rock Rose, Impatiens, Melissa, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum.	Bach Rescura original (5 ingredients matched). Remaining 2 can be bought individually.
Sinutab	3 SA versions exist — 2 have German equivalents. The extra-strong pain version contains codeine (prescription only in DE).	Boxagrippal Ratiogrippal Wick Duogrippal
Sinutab Sinus Allergy	SA version combines 3 ingredients. DE splits them into Day/Night tablets: • Day: Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine • Night: Paracetamol + Diphenhydramine Chlorpheniramin (in SA) isn’t used in DE anymore due to toxicity concerns.	Wick Day Night OlyGrippal Day & Night
Disprin	Active ingredient: Aspirin.	Just ask for Aspirin at any Apotheke.

So far I could not find substitutes for Zam-buck (The Real Makoya Herbal Ointment is made with eucalyptus oil, camphor, thyme oil, and sassafras oil, and is a herbal ointment perfect for a range of skin conditions.)
Some of the shops listed on our website do sell it.

Ask a Pharmacist

Two South African Pharmacists practicing in Germany, has offerer to answer questions from our community

Ask a SA Pharmacist in DE

Ask a Pharmacist A few pharmacists with South African backgrounds, now practicing in Germany, have kindly offered to assist our community. They can help by answering questions and providing guidance on possible substitutes for familiar South African pharmaceutical products. ⚠️ Important Disclaimer Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should never replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please note: The

Terminology

English	German
Prescription	das Rezept
Medical referral	die ärztliche Überweisung
Tablet(s)	die Tablette(n)
Syrup	der Sirup
Lozenge(s)	die Lutschpastille(n)
Drops	die Tropfen
Hard capsules	Hartkapseln
Slow releasing tablets	die Retardtablette(n)
Over-the-counter medicine	das rezeptfreie Medikament
Painkiller	das Schmerzmittel
Antibiotic	das Antibiotikum
Pharmacy	die Apotheke
Pharmacist	der Apotheker / die Apothekerin
Generic medicine	das Generikum
Side effects	die Nebenwirkungen

South Africans in Germany