Are Antibiotics Available Over The Counter In Uzbekistan?

In practice, antibiotics and some other medications can often be obtained over the counter in Uzbekistan, despite official regulations restricting such sales, despite official regulations meant to restrict such sales. In some pharmacies, antibiotics, certain painkillers, and even prescription-only medicines may be dispensed without strict enforcement of the requirement for a doctor’s prescription.

Travelers should exercise caution when purchasing such medicines local pharmacies:

• Self-medication poses health risks, especially with strong antibiotics.
• Quality and authenticity may vary between different outlets—use reputable pharmacies.
• Misuse of antibiotics contributes to global issues of resistance and health complications.

Although the law technically requires a prescription for many drugs, in practice enforcement is inconsistent, and anecdotal reports suggest that people are often able to purchase antibiotics at pharmacies with minimal questioning.