Pharmacies in Copenhagen: what can you buy without a prescription?
Danish pharmacies (apotek) are excellent, strictly regulated — and more restrictive than you may be used to. Painkillers, allergy medicine and the morning-after pill are over the counter; antibiotics, sleeping pills and strong painkillers never are. Here is how it works, and where to go at 3 a.m.
Need something prescription-only?
A doctor can issue a Danish prescription the same day — valid at every pharmacy in the country minutes later.
Pay by card in the clinic after your visit — no prepayment.
Over the counter — no prescription needed
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen — small packs; ask for Panodil or Ipren
- Allergy medicine — antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays
- The morning-after pill — see our guide
- Travel sickness, stomach remedies, rehydration
- Cold and flu relief — lozenges, decongestant sprays (short-term use)
- Wound care, sunburn relief, insect bite treatment
Pharmacists in Denmark are highly trained and speak English — describing your symptoms at the counter is a perfectly good first step for minor complaints.
Prescription-only — no exceptions at the counter
- All antibiotics — a doctor must assess you first; see how that works.
- Sleeping pills and sedatives — controlled substances with strict rules.
- Strong painkillers — anything with codeine or stronger requires a prescription in Denmark.
- Most asthma, blood pressure and diabetes medicine — if you left yours at home, see lost medication.
Practical things worth knowing
Prices on prescription medicine are identical at every pharmacy in Denmark — they are regulated, so there is no reason to shop around. Steno Apotek, directly opposite Copenhagen Central Station, is open around the clock. Danish prescriptions are electronic: once a doctor has issued one, any pharmacy can dispense it when you show ID.
Medical review and sources
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tetzlaff, MD, Specialist in General Medicine and doctor at YourGP — meet the team.
Published and last reviewed: 2 September 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do pharmacies in Copenhagen speak English?
Yes — pharmacy staff in central Copenhagen handle English-speaking customers all day.
Can I use my prescription from home?
A properly issued paper prescription from another EU/EEA country can often be dispensed. Prescriptions from outside the EU cannot — you need a Danish one after a short consultation.
Is medicine expensive in Denmark?
Common OTC medicine is cheap. Prescription prices are regulated and identical at all pharmacies.
Where is the 24-hour pharmacy?
Steno Apotek, Vesterbrogade 6C, directly opposite the Central Station — open 24 hours, every day.
Need a prescription first?
Book a same-day consultation — the prescription works at every pharmacy in Denmark.
Book an appointment →