Find Practical Medicine for a Trip to Japan: LION Medications Available at Japanese Drugstores

One of the best parts of traveling in Japan is exploring, whether that’s shrines and temples, or shopping spots like drugstores and Don Quijote! Experienced travelers will know that shopping in Japan can be exciting and overwhelming, with so many different kinds of snacks, cosmetics, and nifty household goods to browse, but one section that travelers often need to see is the medicine aisle.

A trip to Japan inevitably includes many thousands of steps a day, long train rides across the country, and busy schedules stuffed with food tours or cooking classes, all of which can take a toll on your body. Add in a few particularly indulgent meals (and some new, unfamiliar foods), and you may find your body reacting more to the stress of travel than you expected. So it’s helpful to pick up a few reliable items from Japan’s local drugstores, to have on hand when you need them.

When you’re not sure what to look for, we recommend starting with the best-sellers, and look for products that have long been popular among Japanese consumers. This time, we’ve put together a quick list of medications from major Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer LION. From eye fatigue and headaches to stomachaches and sudden diarrhea, we’ve selected a few products that you might want to keep around, just in case you encounter any common travel-related issues throughout your adventures in Japan.

Relief for Tired Eyes Staring at Screens

In this day and age, it’s hard to avoid the eye fatigue many of us feel after spending long hours staring at our phones, tablets, and computers. Even during travel, your might find your eyes becoming strained after not only sightseeing all day, but also checking directions and searching for the best restaurants, and dealing with the dry air of shops and hotels.

If you want something convenient, these eye drops can deliver some serious relief. The Smile 40 Premium THE ONE eye drops come in three varieties, each designed to address a range of eye concerns in one formula, including eye fatigue, hazy vision (like when your eyes are particularly crusty), redness, and itching. Pick up a bottle of eye drops at a Japanese drugstore at the start of your trip, and even after you get back home, they can help the relieve fatigue and blurred vision caused by prolonged phone and computer use.

A key feature of these eye drops is the addition vitamin A, which helps repair cornea damage, like the kind caused by minor everyday friction and rubbing. But these eye drops actually contain as many as 12 active ingredients (the highest number allowed in Japan¹), so they can address multiple eye concerns at once. And despite being preservative-free, LION’s proprietary technology enables the Smile 40 Premium THE ONE drops to maintain the same shelf life as eye drops containing preservatives². The three different varieties offer different levels of cooling, so you can choose whichever you find most appealing: Mild, Cool, or Cool MAX.

_{¹ Within the approval standards for OTC ophthalmic medicines. These standards define the scope of medicines established by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to streamline the approval process.
² Even before the expiration date, LION recommends using the product as soon as possible after opening (within 1~2 months).}

Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Mild (Cooling Level: 💧💧)

With a cooling level of 2/7, these gentle “Mild” eye drops are good for anyone who’s not used to using strong cooling sensations on their eyes.

Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool (Cooling Level: 💧💧💧💧)

For those who prefer a slightly more refreshing feel, there’s Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool. With a cooling level of 4/7 (somewhat stronger than the Mild), it’s generally recommended for people who want both relief from eye fatigue and a refreshing feeling. The formula includes the same active ingredients as the Mild type, but the stronger cooling sensation results in a more invigorating experience.

Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool MAX (Cooling Level: 💧💧💧💧💧💧💧)

For those seeking an intensely refreshing experience, there’s Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool MAX! ❄️ With a cooling level of 7/7 (the strongest in the lineup), it delivers an intense cooling sensation upon application, a jolt of coolness that instantly wakes up your eyes. If you like eye drops with a strong cooling effect, this one is the way to go.

Left to Right: Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Mild / Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool / Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Cool MAX

Indications: Eye fatigue, blurred vision (due to excess eye mucus, etc.), bloodshot conjunctiva, itchiness, blepharitis (inflamed eyelids), eye trouble prevention (after swimming, after getting dust or sweat in the eyes, etc.), inflammation of the eye due to ultraviolet or other light (such as snow blindness), discomfort when wearing hard contact lenses.

Directions and Precautions:
Use 3 to 6 times a day, 1 to 3 drops in each eye.

1. Excessive use may cause abnormal sensitivity to light or worsen redness.
2. Children should only use this product under adult supervision.
3. Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch the eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes, as this may cause contamination or introduce foreign matter (such as eye discharge or dust). Do not use if the solution becomes cloudy.
4. Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses.
5. For ophthalmic use only.

Fast-Acting Pain Relief & Fever Reduction for Severe Headaches, Fever, and Cramps During Travel!

Bufferin Premium DX Quick+

Unwelcome as it may be, an unexpected headache is no big surprise during a busy day of travel. Or sometimes, the timing just works out so that your menstrual cramps line up with your travel schedule. But if you’ve already booked your theme park tickets, made restaurant reservations, or still have a list of must-see spots left on your itinerary, giving up all your plans to return to a quiet hotel room is a sad choice to make.

If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, Bufferin Premium DX Quick+ is worth a look. At the drugstore, you might recognize the name Bufferin, and in Japan, it’s been one of the most trusted pain relief brands for over 60 years. Among the Japanese lineup, Bufferin Premium DX Quick+ is known for delivering the strongest pain relief, with faster action.

The formula combines ibuprofen, which acts on the source of pain*, and acetaminophen, which acts on pain transmission, in a 1:1 ratio. This dual-action formula helps block the pain of headaches, fever, menstrual pain, and more. Meanwhile, Bufferin’s proprietary Quick Attack Tablet technology allows the tablet to dissolve quickly, so active ingredients can reach the pain faster.

^{*Production of the inflammatory substance prostaglandin.}

The formula also includes ingredients that help protect the stomach lining, reducing any burden the painkillers might place on the stomach. And since there are no ingredients that cause drowsiness, you can feel free to take Bufferin Premium DX Quick+ during the day. The small tablet size also makes it easier for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Bufferin Premium DX Quick+

Indications: Headache, stiff shoulders, menstrual pain, lower back pain, joint pain, neuralgia, muscle pain, sore throat, toothache, pain from tooth extraction, bruise pain, sprain pain, fracture pain, injury pain, ear pain, and the reduction of fever and chills.

Dosage: Adults (15+): Take 2 tablets per dose, up to twice daily (a third dose may be taken only if symptoms recur).
*Leave at least 4 hours between doses and avoid taking on an empty stomach whenever possible.
*Not for use by those under 15 years of age.

Precautions: Consult a pharmacist or registered seller before use, and carefully read the package instructions.

Japanese Stomach Medicine, No Water Necessary

Sucrate G

Japan is a food lover’s paradise, with enough delicious options to build an entire bucket list around—from ramen and yakitori to matcha-flavored sweets and convenience store snacks, it can be hard to stop eating. But if you keep going like that, you might find yourself dealing with an upset stomach and heartburn. If you let your sightseeing schedule dictate meal times, or indulge in some especially greasy food, your stomach can get a little touchy. That’s when Sucrate G deserves your attention.

What makes Sucrate G stand out is that it utilizes sucralfate, an active ingredient developed in Japan and now used worldwide. It acts directly on those damaged areas of the stomach lining affected by heartburn and acid reflux, adhering to your stomach walls like a bandage, in order to protect and repair them. Rather than simply neutralizing stomach acid, Sucrate G directly helps the damaged tissue to recover.

The grapefruit-flavored liquid formulation is another highlight, because it means this remedy can be taken without water, making it convenient when you’re out and about. The liquid is designed to spread evenly across the stomach lining, and the individual packaging makes it easy to toss in your bag and go.

Sucrate G

Indications: Stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, excess stomach acid, belching, stomach heaviness, abdominal fullness, stomach discomfort, chest discomfort, overeating, nausea (including nausea caused by hangovers or excessive drinking), stomach nausea, vomiting, and queasiness.

Dosage: Take between meals (approximately 2~3 hours after eating, when the stomach is mostly empty) or before bedtime.
Adults (15 years and older): Take 1 packet per dose, 3 times daily.
*Should not be used by children under 15 years of age.

A Convenient Anti-Diarrheal to Keep in Your Bag

Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX

One of the most uncomfortable situations to face while traveling is sudden stomach pain and diarrhea. But all the unfamiliar foods, irregular meals, and plain old exhaustion that comes with long-distance travel can make your whole digestive system more sensitive. And it’s even more of a problem when you’re on the move, or exploring somewhere new—somewhere where finding a bathroom won’t be quick or easy. So when you find yourself in this situation, you’ll want to have Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX on hand.

Perhaps the best thing about Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX is that you can swallow the pills without water! Using LION’s proprietary fast-dissolving oral technology, the tablets are designed to melt quickly with only the saliva in your mouth. When you’re on the move, without water on hand, you can still find relief!

The medicine also has a pleasant grapefruit flavor, without a strong medicinal smell, and the compact, lightweight packaging fits easily into your bag (or a pocket), so you can take it whenever you need. Since diarrhea can hit you any time, especially when you’re enjoying lots of delicious meals on vacation, it’s a good idea to carry Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX with you, just in case.

Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX

Indications: Diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, diarrhea caused by indigestion, food-related stomach upset, traveler’s diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, and loose stool.

Dosage: Chew thoroughly or allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth before swallowing.
Adults (15+): Take 1 tablet per dose, up to 3 times daily, with at least 4 hours between doses.
*Should not be used by children under 15 years of age.

From Tired Eyes to Stomach Troubles: Enjoy Your Trip to Japan in Comfort

When you finally arrive in Japan, the last thing you want is to let a little discomfort make you hide in your hotel room, so we think these four products from LION might help you out. For tired eyes and blurred vision, there’s Smile 40 Premium THE ONE. For fast-acting headache relief and fever reduction, there’s Bufferin Premium DX Quick+. For stomachaches and heartburn, there’s Sucrate G. And for sudden diarrhea or stomach cramps, there’s Stoppa Anti-Diarrhea Medicine EX.

Traveling in Japan often means long journeys, and a packed schedule of sightseeing, food tours, and shopping, all of which can work together to really wear you down. But having these handy products from LION ready and available, or knowing where to find them in the local Japanese drugstore, can help you act fast when unexpected health concerns threaten to ruin your trip. If you’re putting together a Japanese shopping list of must-haves during your trip, these are worth considering.

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*This page concerns products sold in Japan.