What are your options for pharmacy in London? More than you'd expect.
London has pharmacies everywhere. Boots is the biggest chain with locations on virtually every high street and in most tube station areas. Superdrug is the other major chain. Both have pharmacists who can advise on minor ailments and sell over-the-counter medications. Independent pharmacies fill the gaps and often have longer hours in residential areas.
Over-the-counter prices are reasonable. A bottle of Calpol costs about 3 to 5 GBP. If you get an NHS prescription from A&E, it's dispensed free. Prescriptions from other NHS services cost 9.90 GBP per item. Sunscreen and basic first aid supplies are often cheaper at supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury's than at Boots.
For late-night or Sunday needs, Boots on Oxford Street (near Marble Arch) and the Boots at Piccadilly Circus keep long hours. Zafash Pharmacy at 233 Old Brompton Road in Earl's Court is open until midnight daily. The NHS Minor Ailment Scheme means pharmacists can treat a range of common conditions and provide medication for free or at reduced cost through the NHS. Calpol (paracetamol for children) and Nurofen for Children (ibuprofen) are the standard pediatric medications and available at any pharmacy and most supermarkets. Piriton (chlorphenamine) for children's allergies is another handy over-the-counter option. You can also get rehydration sachets (Dioralyte) without a prescription.
Everything is in English. Boots and larger pharmacies often have multilingual staff as well.
Boots and Superdrug stock children's Calpol (paracetamol), Nurofen for Kids, and the full range of infant care products. The pharmacist can advise on dosing. Baby formula, diapers, and teething gel are at every pharmacy and supermarket. For urgent needs, many Boots locations are open until 10pm or later.
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Sources: NHS - Find a Pharmacy · CDC Travel Health: United Kingdom