Describing Cold Symptoms at the Pharmacy: what to say in English

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Describing Symptoms

I've got a really stuffy nose and I can't stop sneezing. What do you recommend?

Ask for medicine recommendations for a cold.

stuffy nosesneezingrecommend

I think I'm coming down with something. Sore throat, runny nose, the whole thing.

Mention feeling sick with common cold symptoms.

coming down withsore throatrunny nose

Do you have anything for a cough? Something that won't make me drowsy — I still have to work.

Request non-drowsy cough medicine for work.

coughdrowsy

Pharmacist's Advice

Take two tablets every six hours with food. Don't exceed eight in 24 hours.

Instructions on how to take the medicine.

tabletsevery six hoursexceed

Are you currently on any other medications? Some of these can interact.

Check for other medications to avoid interactions.

currentlymedicationsinteract

I'd suggest this daytime formula. It'll help with congestion without knocking you out.

Suggests a non-drowsy formula for congestion.

daytime formulacongestionknocking you out

Prescription and Price Inquiry

Can I just get something over the counter, or do I need a prescription for this?

Ask if a prescription is needed for the medicine.

over the counterprescription

How much is this one? Is there a generic version that's cheaper?

Inquire about the price and cheaper options.

how muchgeneric versioncheaper

Key words

over the counter (OTC)

Medicine available without a prescription.

dosage

Amount of medicine to take.

side effects

Unwanted effects of a medicine.

congestion

Blocked nose.

generic

Non-brand medicine; cheaper alternative.

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