pharmacy in Barcelona: what travelers have figured out so far.
The Basics
Barcelona has pharmacies (farmacias) on practically every block, marked with a green or red illuminated cross. They're well-stocked and pharmacists can advise on and sell many medications that would require a prescription in other countries. For families, this means you can often get what your child needs without a doctor visit first.
Over-the-counter medications are affordable. Apiretal costs around 3 to 4 EUR. Antibiotics require a prescription and a doctor visit. Sunscreen from the pharmacy runs 8 to 15 EUR but it's the good European formulation.
The farmacia de guardia system means there's always a pharmacy open nearby, even at 3 AM. Every closed pharmacy has a sign on its door listing the nearest one currently on duty. You can also check www.farmaguia.net or call 010 (Barcelona's city info line) to find one. On Las Ramblas and around Placa Catalunya, several pharmacies keep long hours due to tourist traffic. For kids, Apiretal (liquid paracetamol) and Dalsy (liquid ibuprofen) are the standard pediatric medications. Pharmacists will ask the child's weight to recommend dosing. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also pharmacy items here and tend to be better quality than what you'd find at a souvenir shop.
Pharmacists in central Barcelona generally speak some English, especially near Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. In residential neighborhoods, Spanish or Catalan is the norm. Having the medication name or active ingredient written down makes things faster.
Spanish pharmacies carry Apiretal (paracetamol syrup) and Dalsy (ibuprofen) for children. The pharmacist will ask your child's weight. Baby formula, diapers, and sunscreen are available. For a wider baby selection, look for a parafarmacia nearby.
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Sources: Col-legi de Farmaceutics de Barcelona · CDC Travel Health: Spain