What Is It Called in Japan? Tylenol, Advil, Mucinex, NyQuil & 25+ U.S. OTC Brands

"Where do I find Tylenol in Japan?"

"Can I buy NyQuil here?"

"There's no Pepto-Bismol on the shelf — what's the equivalent?"

These are the questions American customers ask most at Japanese pharmacy counters. The honest answer is: most of these brands are sold in Japan under a completely different name, and a few of them simply don't exist here at all.

This article maps 30+ popular U.S. OTC brands to their Japanese equivalents — by active ingredient, OTC class, and where you can actually buy them. Written by a Japanese pharmacist for U.S. residents and travelers in Japan.

---

Before we start: this is general information, not medical advice

Even when the active ingredient matches, dose, formulation, drug interactions, and your medical history all matter. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before buying or taking a medication. Full disclaimer at the end.

---

Quick reference: U.S. brand → Japanese equivalent

Category	U.S. brand	Active ingredient	What to look for in Japan
Pain & fever	Tylenol	Acetaminophen	Calonal (Rx) / Tylenol A · Lakuru Sokuyō (OTC)
	Advil / Motrin	Ibuprofen	Ringl IB · Eve Quick Headache (single-agent OTC)
	Aleve	Naproxen	Naron Medical (naproxen 200 mg, pharmacist required)
	Excedrin	Acetaminophen + aspirin + caffeine	No exact match — Bufferin Premium / Noshin are closest
Cold, cough, throat	NyQuil (nighttime)	Multi-ingredient	No direct match — choose a Japanese cold remedy
	DayQuil (daytime)	Multi-ingredient	No direct match — choose a Japanese cold remedy
	Mucinex	Guaifenesin	Coolone Kyotan CB · Stona Kyotan Capsule
	Robitussin DM	Guaifenesin + dextromethorphan	Dextromethorphan-based OTC cough syrups (check label)
	Sudafed	Pseudoephedrine	Heavily restricted — minimal in Japanese OTCs
	Theraflu	Multi-ingredient	No direct match — choose a Japanese cold remedy
Stomach & GI	Pepto-Bismol	Bismuth subsalicylate	Not commonly available as a mainstream Japanese OTC — use alternatives by symptom
	Tums	Calcium carbonate	Ohta's Isan · Sucrate Stomach Medicine (antacid types)
	Imodium	Loperamide	Stoppa EX · Tomedine Kowa (Class 2)
	Pepcid	Famotidine	Gaster 10 (Class 1)
	Prilosec OTC	Omeprazole	Prescription-only in Japan as of publication (no OTC)
Allergy	Benadryl	High-dose diphenhydramine	Restamin Kowa Tablets (same active ingredient — but use and positioning differ)
	Claritin	Loratadine	Claritin EX (Class 2)
	Zyrtec	Cetirizine	Stonalini Z (Class 2)
	Allegra	Fexofenadine	Allegra FX (Class 2)
Sleep & nighttime	Tylenol PM	Acetaminophen + diphenhydramine	No combo — buy Tylenol A + Drewell separately
	Advil PM	Ibuprofen + diphenhydramine	No combo — buy Eve A + Drewell separately
	Unisom	Doxylamine or diphenhydramine	Drewell (Class 2)
Bowel & laxative	Metamucil	Psyllium husk	Satrax · psyllium-based supplements
	MiraLAX	Polyethylene glycol	Prescription-only in Japan as Movicol — use other OTC laxative classes instead
	Dulcolax	Bisacodyl	Coolac (Class 2)
Restricted / banned	Adderall	Amphetamine	Banned at customs (Stimulants Control Act)
	Vyvanse	Lisdexamfetamine	Personal import not permitted

Detailed notes for each category follow below.

---

1. Pain & fever

Tylenol (acetaminophen)

In Japan, acetaminophen circulates under the generic name and several different brand names.

• Prescription: Calonal (200 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg)
• OTC: Tylenol A (300 mg), Lakuru Sokuyō (300 mg), Noshin Shiro Sara-Sara (acetaminophen-based)

→ More: Tylenol = Calonal in Japan

Advil / Motrin (ibuprofen)

If you want a single-ingredient ibuprofen product like U.S. Advil, look for:

• Ringl IB (ibuprofen 200 mg, single-agent)
• Eve Quick Headache (ibuprofen-based single-agent line)

A common Japanese product called Eve A Tablets is not a single-agent ibuprofen — it is a combination of ibuprofen 150 mg + allylisopropylacetylurea (sedative) + anhydrous caffeine. If you want an exact match to U.S. Advil, choose one of the single-agent options above.

Aleve (naproxen)

Japan has a naproxen OTC: Naron Medical (Taisho Pharmaceutical, naproxen 200 mg). It requires a pharmacist's in-person consultation to purchase, so the timing of the day and store choice matters.

• The Japanese strength is 200 mg per tablet (vs. U.S. Aleve's 220 mg)
• The prescription naproxen "Naixan" is not OTC
• For a more accessible alternative with similar effect, Loxonin S (loxoprofen, Class 1 OTC) is widely used

→ More: What is Loxonin S?

Excedrin (acetaminophen + aspirin + caffeine)

There is no exact Japanese OTC match for Excedrin's three-ingredient formula.

The closest options:

• Bufferin Premium (ibuprofen + acetaminophen + caffeine + dried aluminum hydroxide gel)
• Noshin (acetaminophen + ethenzamide + caffeine)
• Sedes (ethenzamide + acetaminophen + others)

Note that Excedrin Migraine has no direct equivalent.

---

2. Cold, cough, throat

NyQuil / DayQuil

NyQuil and DayQuil are U.S.-specific multi-ingredient combinations with no direct Japanese equivalent.

• NyQuil: acetaminophen + dextromethorphan + doxylamine + phenylephrine
• DayQuil: acetaminophen + dextromethorphan + phenylephrine

Practical alternative: choose from Japan's general cold remedies (Pabron S, Benza Block L Plus, Shin Lulu A Gold DXα) based on your symptoms. Pick a sedating-ingredient version for nighttime, a non-sedating one for daytime.

→ More: Japanese cold medicine: a complete guide

Mucinex (guaifenesin)

U.S. Mucinex is the leading OTC expectorant. Japanese OTCs use the same ingredient — guaifenesin — but under entirely different brand names, and as one expectorant option among several rather than a dominant brand.

• Coolone Kyotan CB (guaifenesin + bromhexine)
• Stona Kyotan Capsule (guaifenesin + bromhexine)

Note that U.S. Mucinex's 600 mg extended-release form is not commonly available in Japan; Japanese per-dose strengths are typically in the 100–200 mg range.

Robitussin DM (guaifenesin + dextromethorphan)

Japan has dextromethorphan-based OTC cough products, but brand names rotate frequently. The reliable approach is to ask a pharmacist for a dextromethorphan product without codeine — Japanese OTC cough lines mix codeine-free and codeine-containing products on the same shelf.

• Mejicon (dextromethorphan single-agent) is prescription-only in Japan; there is no direct OTC equivalent
• Some Japanese OTC cough syrups contain dihydrocodeine; if you want to match Robitussin DM (codeine-free), check the ingredient panel

Robitussin AC (codeine-containing) is itself prescription or controlled in many U.S. states, and in Japan codeine-containing OTC cough medicines are restricted (banned for under-12). A doctor's visit is the safer route.

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

Pseudoephedrine is treated very differently country to country. In Japan, there is essentially no OTC product that fills the same role as U.S. Sudafed — small amounts appear in multi-ingredient cold remedies (Estac EXNT, Contac Drink EX) but not as a standalone single-agent tablet.

For nasal congestion, the standard Japanese OTC approach is a second-generation antihistamine (Allegra FX, etc.) combined with a topical nasal decongestant spray.

Theraflu

Like NyQuil/DayQuil, this is a U.S.-specific multi-ingredient combination with no direct Japanese equivalent. Use a Japanese cold remedy matched to your symptoms.

---

3. Stomach & GI

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)

The iconic pink U.S. stomach remedy is not commonly stocked as a mainstream Japanese OTC. Bismuth subsalicylate-based products are difficult to find at typical drugstores in Japan, and there is no go-to equivalent product to point to.

Alternative approaches by symptom:

• Diarrhea → Stoppa EX (loperamide, Class 2)
• Indigestion → Ohta's Isan, Cabagin Kowa α
• Food-poisoning-style symptoms → Seirogan (but seek care if you have fever or bloody stools)

→ More: Japanese stomach medicine guide

Tums (calcium carbonate)

Single-ingredient calcium carbonate OTC tablets are uncommon in Japan, but antacid-type Japanese OTC stomach medicines play a similar role.

• Ohta's Isan (sodium bicarbonate + precipitated calcium carbonate + aluminum silicate + herbal mix)
• Sucrate Stomach Medicine (sucralfate + antacids)

Note that Cabagin Kowa α, despite the similar-sounding name, is built around methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U) + herbal extracts — a different category from Tums.

Imodium (loperamide)

Same active ingredient — loperamide — sold OTC in Japan as:

• Stoppa EX (Class 2)
• Tomedine Kowa (Class 2)

The same warnings apply: not for children under 12, and avoid use when diarrhea is accompanied by fever or bloody stools (loperamide can worsen infectious gastroenteritis).

Pepcid (famotidine)

Same active ingredient OTC: Gaster 10 (10 mg, Class 1).

→ More: Japanese stomach medicine guide

Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)

Omeprazole and other PPIs are prescription-only in Japan as of publication (medical names: Omeprazon, Omepral). The U.S. switched omeprazole to OTC in 2003; Japan has not (the regulatory status could change in future, but no OTC switch is underway).

The main OTC stomach acid suppressant available in Japan is the H2 blocker famotidine (Gaster 10).

→ More: Prescription vs OTC in Japan

---

4. Allergy

Benadryl (high-dose diphenhydramine)

In the U.S., Benadryl is the go-to OTC for allergic reactions. In Japan the same active ingredient exists, but its primary OTC role is as a sleep aid (Drewell). The Japanese diphenhydramine OTCs are not the same use, dose, or shelf positioning as U.S. Benadryl.

The Japanese diphenhydramine OTC with an allergy indication is Restamin Kowa Tablets (hives, eczema, itching). However, because of strong sedation, first-line treatment for hay fever or chronic urticaria in Japan is a second-generation antihistamine (Allegra FX, Claritin EX), not diphenhydramine.

In short: same active ingredient, different use case and different positioning.

Claritin (loratadine)

Same active ingredient OTC: Claritin EX (10 mg, Class 2).

→ More: Hay fever medicine in Japan

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Same active ingredient OTC: Stonalini Z (10 mg, Class 2), Contac Hay Fever Z.

Allegra (fexofenadine)

Same active ingredient OTC: Allegra FX (60 mg, Class 2).

→ More: Hay fever medicine in Japan

---

5. Sleep & nighttime

Tylenol PM (acetaminophen + diphenhydramine)

There is no Japanese combination OTC equivalent. You can approximate it by buying two separate OTCs, but only after confirming combinability with a pharmacist:

• Acetaminophen: Tylenol A (300 mg)
• Diphenhydramine sleep aid: Drewell

⚠ Do not self-combine without a pharmacist's review. Overlapping anticholinergic effects (drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, dizziness) are possible. Tell the pharmacist that you have been using Tylenol PM and ask whether the same combination is appropriate for you before purchase.

Advil PM (ibuprofen + diphenhydramine)

Same approach — no combination OTC. The closest ingredient pairing is:

• Eve A (ibuprofen-based) + Drewell (diphenhydramine sleep aid)

⚠ Do not self-combine. As with Tylenol PM, the diphenhydramine in both products can stack. Confirm with a pharmacist before purchasing — explain that you used Advil PM previously and ask if this combination is suitable for you.

→ More: Prescription vs OTC in Japan

Unisom (doxylamine or diphenhydramine)

Doxylamine single-agent OTC isn't sold in Japan, but for diphenhydramine sleep aids:

• Drewell (25 mg, Class 2)
• Gussumin series (some include traditional kampo herbs)

---

6. Bowel & laxative

Metamucil (psyllium / fiber)

In Japan this is more commonly a food/supplement category than a pharmacy aisle product.

• Satrax (Plantago ovata seed coat) — sold in pharmacies as a fiber product
• Health-food brand psyllium products like Isagol

MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol)

Polyethylene glycol products are prescription-only in Japan as of publication (medical name: Movicol Combination Internal Solution); no OTC version is approved.

If you need an OTC laxative, choose by symptom type:

• Chronic constipation, hard stools → osmotic laxatives such as magnesium oxide tablets (Class 3) tend to be gentler
• Short-term, occasional constipation → stimulant laxatives such as Coolac (bisacodyl, Class 2)

For ongoing constipation lasting weeks, see a doctor.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl)

Same active ingredient OTC: Coolac (5 mg, Class 2).

Avoid prolonged use — stimulant laxatives can cause dependence. If you need them daily, see a doctor.

---

7. Banned or restricted from import

This section is critical. Getting it wrong can mean confiscation, fines, or criminal proceedings at customs.

Adderall (amphetamine)

Banned from import under the Stimulants Control Act, regardless of foreign prescription.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

The compound is approved domestically in Japan (sold as "Vyvanse Capsules"), but personal import is not permitted. Once in Japan, see a psychiatrist registered in the ADHD Proper Distribution Management System for a domestic prescription.

Robitussin AC (codeine cough syrup)

Prescription or controlled in many U.S. states. In Japan, codeine-containing OTC cough medicines are heavily restricted, and personal import often requires a Yakkan Shoumei. Check before flying.

Sudafed (high-dose pseudoephedrine)

U.S. Sudafed's 30 mg / 60 mg single-agent tablets are not sold in Japan. Personal import is also restricted because of methamphetamine-precursor concerns.

→ More: Prescription vs OTC in Japan

---

8. Useful pharmacy phrases

What you want to ask	Japanese	Romaji
Is there a medicine with the same ingredient as ◯◯?	◯◯と同じ成分の薬はありますか？	◯◯ to onaji seibun no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
It's OTC in the U.S. — is it sold in Japan?	アメリカでは市販薬ですが、日本でも買えますか？	Amerika dewa shihan-yaku desu ga, Nihon demo kaemasu ka?
Can I speak with the pharmacist?	薬剤師さんを呼んでもらえますか？	Yakuzaishi-san o yonde moraemasu ka?

When buying Class 1 products like Gaster 10, always ask specifically for a pharmacist (yakuzaishi) — registered sellers cannot legally sell them.

---

Three things to remember

1. Same active ingredient, different brand name — Pepcid and Gaster 10, Allegra and Allegra FX, Imodium and Stoppa EX. Note that dose, formulation, and combination ingredients can differ — always check the ingredient panel before buying
2. U.S. combination products (NyQuil, Tylenol PM, Excedrin) usually have no Japanese counterpart — combining single-agent OTCs is possible, but only after pharmacist consultation
3. Restricted items (Adderall, Vyvanse, high-dose codeine, Sudafed) require advance research — violating customs rules can lead to confiscation and criminal proceedings

---

Sources

• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) — Package insert database
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) — "Importing medicines for personal use" / "Risk classification of OTC medicines"
• U.S. FDA: Drugs@FDA Database, OTC Monograph
• Manufacturer official pages: Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, Kowa, SS Pharmaceutical, Sato Pharmaceutical, Taisho Pharmaceutical, Rohto Pharmaceutical
• Product package inserts: Eve A, Gaster 10, Allegra FX, Stoppa EX, Coolac, and others

---

About the author

Sakura is a licensed Japanese pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in OTC medicines and the medical-information needs of foreign readers in Japan. James translated and adapted this article for English-speaking readers; he holds a PhD in Pharmacy from Waseda University and has worked on PMDA English-language regulatory translation for over a decade.

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The classifications, sales conditions, and brand-equivalence notes described above reflect Japanese regulations and product availability as of May 2026 and may change without notice. Before purchasing or taking any medication, please consult a licensed pharmacist or physician, and verify the latest information from official sources such as the PMDA, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and manufacturer websites. The publisher assumes no responsibility for actions taken on the basis of this article.