Japan offers a unique mix of modern NSAIDs, gentle paracetamol doses, and centuries-old Kampo herbal formulas. This guide walks foreign residents and travelers through how to choose, buy, and use fever medicine (antipyretics) in Japan—safely and cost-effectively.
The Basics of Japanese Antipyretics
Before grabbing a familiar brand, note that Japan regulates dosages conservatively and leans heavily on pharmacist guidance. Average OTC tablets contain 100 mg of ibuprofen or 300 mg of acetaminophen, about 30 % lower than many Western equivalents.
Always monitor your temperature: if a fever tops 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) or lasts more than three days, seek medical advice.
Key OTC Ingredients
| Ingredient | Japanese Name | Typical Adult Dose per Tablet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | アセトアミノフェン | 300 mg | Gentle on the stomach |
| Ibuprofen | イブプロフェン | 100 – 200 mg | Fast anti-inflammatory effect |
| Loxoprofen | ロキソプロフェン | 60 mg | Similar to ibuprofen, shorter half-life |
1. Over-the-Counter Options
First-time visitors may be surprised that Type 2 OTC drugs can be picked up freely, whereas Type 1 OTC drugs require a quick counselling session.
1-1 Ibuprofen-Based Brands
- Eve Quick DX, Bufferin PremiumAdult dose: 2 tablets (200 mg ibuprofen). Take after food to protect the stomach and never mix with alcohol.
1-2 Acetaminophen-Based Brands
- Tylenol A, Lulu Attack EX Tylenol supplies 300 mg per tablet. Lulu adds vitamin B₆ and herbal extracts for fatigue relief.
1-3 Kampo Herbal Formulas
- 葛根湯 (Kakkontō) for the “chill‐and-stiff-neck” stage of a cold.
- 小柴胡湯 (Shōsaikōtō) for lingering low-grade fevers.Caution: Kampo can interact with prescription drugs—inform the pharmacist of any medication you take.
2. When to See a Doctor
High fever plus stiff neck, rash, or dehydration warrants professional care. Show your 保険証 (health-insurance card) at check-in; national insurance covers 70 % of costs, keeping most consultations under ¥3,000.
2-1 Common Prescription Antipyretics
| Drug | Form | Indication | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loxoprofen (Loxonin) | Tablets | Post-operative or bacterial fever | ¥650 – ¥900 (3 days) |
| Diclofenac | Suppository | Severe inflammatory fever | ¥700 – ¥1,000 |
| Intravenous Acetaminophen | IV drip | Hospitalized patients | +¥1,500 |
\*after 70 % subsidy.
2-2 Preparing for a Clinic Visit
Bring allergy notes, residence card, and—if visiting with children—the 母子健康手帳. Many clinics now accept credit cards, but small neighborhood offices may still be cash-only.
3. Safe Shopping at Drugstores
Japanese drugstores sort products by symptom with color-coded shelf tags.
3-1 Reading Labels
- 成分 (Seibun) = ingredient list
- 用法・用量 (Yōhō / Yōryō) = dosage instructions
- 第1類 = pharmacist must explain; 第2類 / 指定第2類 = self-selection allowed.
3-2 Children’s Medicine
Never split adult tablets. Look for 「小児用」 powders or syrups such as Bufferin Kids Syrup. Dosage is weight-based—check the chart on the side panel.
3-3 Interaction Warnings
Avoid doubling up on ibuprofen or caffeine when taking multi-symptom cold remedies. If you use anticoagulants, consult a doctor before any NSAID.
4. Buying After Hours or Online
- 夜間救急薬局: Dial #7119 in Tokyo (or #8000 nationwide for pediatric advice) to locate night-duty pharmacies.
- Online: Amazon Japan and @cosme SHOPPING ship most Type 2 drugs same-day in Kanto. Type 1 items require a simple online questionnaire with a licensed pharmacist.
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Best First Step |
|---|---|
| Mild post-vaccine fever | Acetaminophen (Tylenol A) |
| Stiff neck + chills | Kakkontō sachets |
| Fever > 38.5 °C for 72 h | Visit 内科 clinic |
| Child 12 kg with 38 °C | Bufferin Kids Syrup (per label) |
| Nighttime adult fever in Tokyo | Call #7119, locate 夜間救急薬局 |
Key Take Away
Managing a fever in Japan is straightforward once you understand dosage norms, drug classes, and when to seek help. Combine pharmacist advice with careful label reading, and you’ll stay comfortable—and safe—through cold season, vaccinations, or unexpected illnesses.
