Cold and Flu Medicine in Norway
What to buy for a cold or flu in Norway, where to buy it, the Norwegian brand names to look for, and how the rules differ from the US and UK.
If you catch a cold or the flu in Norway, most of what you need is sold over the counter at a pharmacy (apotek), with a small selection of basic painkillers also available in grocery stores. The big surprise for Americans and Brits: there is no Sudafed, no DayQuil and no all-in-one combination medicine on the shelf. Norway leans toward single-ingredient products and pharmacist guidance instead.
This article is general information for people living in or visiting Norway. It is not medical advice. For a diagnosis or personal recommendation, ask a pharmacist or your doctor.
First, what a cold actually is
A cold (forkjølelse) is a viral infection of the upper airways. According to Helsenorge, the public health service, rhinoviruses cause roughly half of all colds, and there is no medicine that makes you well faster. Treatment is entirely about easing symptoms while your body clears the virus. Adults typically get two to three colds a year and children around five.
Because colds are viral, antibiotics do nothing for them. Norwegian health authorities are strict about this to help limit antibiotic resistance, so do not expect a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for an ordinary cold. The flu (influensa) is different: it comes on faster, with high fever and a stronger feeling of being unwell all over, but it too usually passes on its own.
There is no treatment that makes you well faster, so the goal is to relieve symptoms and rest.
Where to buy: apotek vs the grocery store
Norway sells over-the-counter medicine through two channels. The pharmacy (apotek) carries the complete range and has trained staff to advise you. Under a scheme called LUA (legemidler utenom apotek, or medicines outside pharmacies), a limited list of pre-approved products is also sold in grocery stores, kiosks and petrol stations. In practice that means you can grab a small pack of paracetamol or ibuprofen at the supermarket, but anything more specialised belongs to the apotek.
Pharmacy sales come with rules aimed at safety. Outside a pharmacy, a shop may sell only one package of a given active ingredient per customer, and only in smaller pack sizes. Stronger formats, such as 400 mg ibuprofen tablets, are restricted to pharmacies and capped at small packs. Shops that choose to sell painkillers must also stock paracetamol and a product suitable for children. If you need a larger quantity or something behind the counter, go to the apotek.
Norway has four main pharmacy chains: Apotek 1, Vitusapotek, Boots apotek and Ditt Apotek. Look for the green cross sign. Most are open on weekdays with shorter Saturday hours, and staff speak English. For the full rules on limits, age restrictions and what needs a prescription, see our guide to OTC medicine rules in Norway.
What to get for each symptom
Rather than a single combination pill, you will usually buy one product per symptom. Here is what Norwegian pharmacies recommend for the usual suspects.
Fever, headache and body aches
Paracetamol is the first choice, sold as Paracet, Panodil or Pinex. If it is not enough on its own, ibuprofen (branded Ibux, Ibumetin or Nurofen) can be added. Paracetamol-based products make up the large majority of over-the-counter pain and fever sales in Norway. Follow the dosing printed on the pack, and tell the pharmacist about any other medicines you take.
A blocked or stuffy nose
Norwegian pharmacies use decongestant nasal sprays (slimhinneavsvellende) rather than decongestant pills. The common over-the-counter brands are Otrivin, Zymelin and Rhinox, all based on the active ingredient xylometazoline. They open a congested nose within minutes, but Helsenorge warns they should not be used for more than a few days, because longer use can cause rebound congestion. A saltwater rinse or spray is a gentle alternative with no time limit.
A sore throat
Medicated lozenges such as Strepsils and Strefen soothe an irritated throat and are sold over the counter. Simple measures help too: warm drinks, and a saltwater gargle. Paracetamol or ibuprofen also take the edge off throat pain.
A cough
Helsenorge is candid that cough medicines vary in effect and it is uncertain how well they work. Some suppress the cough reflex and some loosen mucus, so match the product to the cough. In Norway, Solvipect is a familiar choice for a productive, mucus-y cough, while Noskapin is used for a dry, tickly cough. Cough syrups containing morphine-like substances should not be given to children. For a cough that drags on, a doctor may occasionally consider medicines normally used for asthma.
Sneezing and a runny nose from allergy
If your symptoms are really hay fever rather than a cold, an antihistamine like Zyrtec (cetirizine) or loratadine is available over the counter and works within about an hour. Antihistamines do not cure a cold, but they can help when the trigger is allergic.
| Symptom | What to buy | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, headache, aches | Paracetamol (Paracet, Panodil, Pinex); ibuprofen (Ibux) if needed | Apotek + grocery/kiosk (small packs) |
| Blocked nose | Xylometazoline spray (Otrivin, Zymelin, Rhinox); max a few days | Apotek; some sold in stores |
| Sore throat | Lozenges (Strepsils, Strefen); saltwater gargle | Apotek + some stores |
| Chesty, productive cough | Expectorant (e.g. Solvipect) | Apotek |
| Dry, tickly cough | Cough suppressant (e.g. Noskapin) | Apotek |
| Allergic runny nose, sneezing | Antihistamine (Zyrtec / cetirizine, loratadine) | Apotek + some stores |
| Oral decongestant (Sudafed style) | Not sold over the counter in Norway; ask a doctor | Special approval only |
Norwegian brand names to look for
Brand names differ from what you may know at home. Keep this shortlist in mind at the apotek:
- ✓Paracet, Panodil, Pinex — paracetamol for fever and pain
- ✓Ibux (also Ibumetin, Nurofen) — ibuprofen
- ✓Otrivin, Zymelin, Rhinox — xylometazoline decongestant nasal sprays
- ✓Strepsils, Strefen — sore-throat lozenges
- ✓Solvipect (mucus cough) and Noskapin (dry cough)
- ✓Zyrtec (cetirizine) — antihistamine for allergy symptoms
How it differs from the US and UK
If you are used to walking into a US drugstore or a UK Boots and grabbing a familiar box, a few things stand out in Norway:
- •No Sudafed, DayQuil or NyQuil. Oral pseudoephedrine decongestants are not marketed in Norway, and the American multi-symptom combination products are not sold here.
- •Pseudoephedrine is controlled. It is treated as a controlled substance in Norway, so it is not something you can buy off the shelf, and travellers should not assume they can bring it in freely. If a doctor considers it necessary, it can be obtained only through a special exemption approval.
- •Single ingredients over combos. Expect to buy separate products for fever, congestion, throat and cough rather than one all-in-one pill.
- •Smaller packs and purchase limits. Outside pharmacies you can buy only one package per active ingredient, in limited sizes.
- •Pharmacist guidance is central. Many products sit behind the counter, and staff are expected to advise you, which is a good reason to just ask.
Painkillers can ease a sore throat, headache and muscle pain. Paracetamol is the first choice.
Rest, fluids and other comfort measures
Medicine is only part of it. Helsenorge advises taking it easy, getting enough rest and sleep, drinking enough and keeping warm. Inhaling warm steam or taking a warm bath can ease pressure in the nose, and many people find a saltwater nasal rinse helpful. Warm drinks with honey and lemon are a popular home comfort for a scratchy throat. Good nasal care matters especially for small children, to prevent mouth-breathing and earache.
When to see a doctor or legevakt
A cold usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can hang on for three weeks or more. Contact your GP (fastlege) if you are still sick after two weeks, or if your general condition is very poor, and be especially attentive with small children and the elderly. Colds can occasionally lead to complications such as ear, sinus or chest infections.
For urgent problems that cannot wait for your GP but are not life-threatening, and when your GP is closed, call the out-of-hours service (legevakt) on 116 117. For life-threatening emergencies, call 113. If you are new to the country and want to understand the wider system, our overview of life and work in Norway is a useful starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Sudafed, DayQuil or NyQuil in Norway?+
No. Multi-symptom American combination products like DayQuil and NyQuil are not sold in Norway, and oral decongestants containing pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in Sudafed) are not marketed here either. Pseudoephedrine is treated as a controlled substance in Norway, so you cannot simply pick it up over the counter. For a blocked nose, Norwegian pharmacies instead sell xylometazoline nasal sprays such as Otrivin, Zymelin and Rhinox.
Where do I buy cold medicine in Norway: pharmacy or grocery store?+
Both, but the selection differs. Pharmacies (apotek) carry the full range of over-the-counter cold and flu products and have staff who can advise you. Grocery stores, kiosks and petrol stations sell a limited set of pre-approved medicines under the LUA scheme, mainly small packs of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Anything beyond basic painkillers, or any product kept behind the counter, means a trip to the apotek.
Is there a Norwegian equivalent of an all-in-one cold and flu medicine?+
Not really. Norway tends to favour single-ingredient products over the American style of one pill that treats every symptom at once. Instead of a combination capsule, you typically buy paracetamol for fever and aches, a nasal spray for congestion, lozenges for a sore throat and, if needed, a separate cough medicine. A pharmacist can help you combine them safely.
What is the best thing to take for a cold in Norway?+
According to Helsenorge, there is no medicine that cures a cold, so treatment is about easing symptoms. Paracetamol (sold as Paracet, Panodil or Pinex) is the first choice for fever, headache and sore throat, and ibuprofen (Ibux) can be added if paracetamol is not enough. Rest, fluids, warmth and steam inhalation or a saltwater nasal rinse also help. Always follow the dosing on the package.
Why can I only buy one pack of painkillers at a time?+
To reduce the risk of overdose, Norwegian rules limit sales outside pharmacies. A shop, kiosk or petrol station may sell only one package of a given active ingredient per customer, and only smaller pack sizes. Stronger formats, such as 400 mg ibuprofen, are restricted to pharmacies. If you need more, buy it at an apotek where staff can guide you.
When should I see a doctor for a cold or flu in Norway?+
Most colds clear up on their own within 7 to 10 days, though a cough can linger for three weeks or more. Contact your GP (fastlege) if you are still sick after two weeks, if your general condition is very poor, or if you are worried about a small child or an elderly person. For urgent problems when your GP is closed, call the out-of-hours service (legevakt) on 116 117. For life-threatening emergencies, call 113.
Do Norwegian pharmacists speak English?+
Yes, almost always. English is widely spoken in Norway, and pharmacy staff are used to helping international customers. Do not hesitate to describe your symptoms and ask what they recommend. Pharmacists are trained health professionals and giving guidance on over-the-counter medicine is a core part of their job.
The short version
For a cold or flu in Norway, head to the apotek for anything beyond basic painkillers. Reach for paracetamol first, add ibuprofen if needed, use a xylometazoline spray sparingly for congestion, and pick up lozenges or a cough medicine to match your symptoms. Skip the search for Sudafed or DayQuil, they are not sold here. When in doubt, describe your symptoms to the pharmacist, and see a doctor if things do not improve within two weeks.
About the Author
Sean Percival is an American venture capitalist and author living in Norway. After failing spectacularly to expand a Silicon Valley venture fund into the Norwegian market, he collected his lessons learned into this guide to help others succeed where he initially stumbled.
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