un comprimé ön com-pri-MÉ
a tablet
“Un comprimé” = a tablet (to swallow). “Un cachet” is roughly the same in speech, “une gélule” = a capsule. For pain, the French often ask for “paracétamol” by brand name: “Doliprane” or “Efferalgan”.
sans ordonnance san zor-do-NANS
over the counter
“Sans ordonnance” = without a prescription, you get it directly. The opposite is “sur ordonnance” = on prescription (from a doctor). In France, many common medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen) are kept behind the counter — you ask the pharmacist for them, you don't pick them off a shelf.
le mal de tête lö mal dö TET
the headache
To say what hurts, you use “avoir mal à” + body part: “j'ai mal à la tête” (my head hurts), “j'ai mal à la gorge” (sore throat), “j'ai mal au ventre” (stomachache). “Le mal de tête” is the noun for it.
la pommade la po-MAD
the ointment
“La pommade” = a thick cream/ointment you put on the skin (for a knock, an irritation). “Une crème” is lighter. The verb is “appliquer” (to apply). For a cut, you ask for “un pansement” (a plaster/band-aid).
la pharmacie la far-ma-SI
the pharmacy
You recognize a pharmacy by the bright green cross (“la croix verte”). At night and on Sundays it's closed, but there's always a “pharmacie de garde” (on-duty pharmacy) — its address is posted on the door or at the town hall. The pharmacist can give advice, not just sell.
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