29/07/2026 09:38 - Salud
Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT) published Disposition 4714/2026 in the Official Gazette, effective July 29, 2026. Ten drugs that previously required a prescription can now be bought directly at pharmacies without a doctor’s note.
The decision is based on each active ingredient having been sold under prescription for at least five years with a proven safety record and no serious adverse events. It also follows the precedent set by international regulatory agencies such as the FDA (USA), EMA (Europe), ANVISA (Brazil), and INVIMA (Colombia).
The list includes antihistamines, antispasmodics, eye drops, and a topical antiparasitic. New batches must include a QR code linking to the package insert and the label “Venta Libre” (Over-the-Counter).
| Active Ingredient | Strength / Form | Common Brand Names | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimebutine maleate | 100 mg (oral solid) | Miopropan, Biorgan 100 | Abdominal pain, digestive issues |
| Levocetirizine dihydrochloride | 5 mg (oral solid/liquid) | Alergical, Supraler | Allergy relief |
| Fexofenadine hydrochloride | 60 mg / 120 mg (oral) | Alertial, Alercas | Antihistamine |
| Dimenhydrinate | 50 mg (oral solid) | Dramamine, Agirax | Motion sickness, nausea, vomiting |
| Olopatadine hydrochloride | 0.1 g/100 ml (ophthalmic) | Olopat, Oloratan | Eye allergies |
| Naphazoline + Pheniramine | Ophthalmic | Refenax colirio | Ocular decongestant |
| Carbocisteine | 5% (syrup) | Mucolitic | Cough expectorant |
| Aluminum chloride | 20% (topical lotion) | Alumpak, Dexalergin | Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) |
| Calcium carbonate / Arnica / Silver nitrate | Oral topical powder | Bolus Oligoplex | Wound healing, antiseptic |
| Ivermectin | 0.5% (topical lotion) | Licend, Ivercass | Head lice treatment |
In Argentina, many medications are partially covered by obras sociales (union-managed health insurance) and prepagas (private health plans). Under the old prescription system, patients paid only 60% of the price at the pharmacy. Now that these drugs are OTC, they lose that 40% subsidy. Patients will have to pay the full retail price. While the government expects easier access, consumers should check with their insurer whether any alternative coverage exists.
Professional associations have raised concerns. Mario Della Maggiora, president of the College of Pharmacists of General Pueyrredón, told 0223 that “the use of medication is being trivialized,” reminding that “a harmless drug is not a drug at all.” Alejandra Gómez from Colfarma (Buenos Aires) and the Siprosa (Tucumán) also warned about the dangers of self-medication, especially for patients with chronic conditions. They stress that the pharmacist’s and doctor’s role remains essential for safe and effective use.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
