Foundation · Health

At the pharmacy

Your goal: ask for common medicines, describe simple symptoms, and understand dosage instructions. Safe communication for your health needs.

1

Survival Phrases

Describing symptoms

  • I have a headache.
  • I have a cold / a cough.
  • My stomach hurts.
  • I have a fever.

Asking for help

  • I need something for a sore throat.
  • Do you have painkillers?
  • Can I buy this without a prescription?

Understanding instructions

  • How often do I take this?
  • With or without food?
2

Model Dialogue

Pharmacist: Hello. How can I help you today?

Customer: Hello. I have a very bad cough and a sore throat.

Pharmacist: I see. Do you have a fever?

Customer: No, just the cough.

Pharmacist: OK. This syrup is very good. Take 10ml twice a day.

Customer: Before or after meals?

Pharmacist: After meals is better. Anything else?

Customer: No, thank you. How much is it?

Pharmacist: That's £8.50, please.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationPolite (Pharmacist)Casual (Friends/Family)
AskingCould you recommend something for...?Do you have any...?
DosageHow many times a day?When do I take it?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • I'm with pain in my head. → I have a headache.
  • I need a medicine for flu. → I need something for the flu.
5

Culture Note

  • Over-the-counter (OTC): Many simple medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be bought without seeing a doctor.
  • Prescription: For stronger medicines (like antibiotics), you must have a paper from a doctor.
6

Practical Task

  1. Describe a symptom. Write down two sentences describing a common health problem (e.g., "I have a backache").
  2. Ask for advice. Practice saying "What do you recommend for a cold?".

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐state a basic symptom?
  • ☐ask for a common medicine?
  • ☐understand when to take the medicine?