In the Netherlands, prescription medications must be obtained at pharmacies (called apotheek), after they have been called in by your doctor or specialist. Since the national Dutch health insurance covers the cost of many medications, in many cases you will have to give the pharmacist your insurance information when you go to pick up medications for the first time. After your initial visit to a pharmacy, they will have your information on file for future prescriptions.
It is common for pharmacies in Amsterdam to supply non-prescription medications in addition to the prescriptions that they carry. Many also sell common drug store items. Pharmacists are able to answer any questions that you might have regarding medication or your conditions, and staff will typically speak English.
Light drugs, such as paracetamol, cough syrup, and bandages can be purchased at the local supermarket.
Some international prescriptions are valid in the Netherlands, however you should always ask your doctor, since some some pharmacies will require a local prescription. For example, ADHD pills are not handed out as easily as in the United States, and a Dutch prescription is required.
The opening days and hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., but times may differ. As in most cities, there are always a few pharmacies open, on rotating shifts. Therefore, the pharmacy located close to your house will be open all night only once or twice per week. In case of urgent matters, in order to find out which pharmacy is open, you can call 020 592 33 15, or go to the nearest pharmacy and search its window for the stores currently on duty.
Main chains and pharmacies located in Amsterdam
Mediq Apotheek
This chain has approximately 230 pharmacies in the Netherlands and various branches throughout Amsterdam, some of which are listed below.
Mediq Apotheek Zieseniss
Nassaukade 52
1052 CN Amsterdam
tel: 020-6843746
Mediq Apotheek de Krommerdt
Admiraal de Ruiterweg 109
1056 EV Amsterdam
tel: 020-6182022
Mediq Apotheek Wester
Postjesweg 99-101
1057 DZ Amsterdam
tel: 020-6181114
Mediq Apotheek De Poort
Bijlmerplein 554
1102 DS Amsterdam
tel: 020-4161441
Kring-apotheek
This chain has several branches scattered around Amsterdam, which are found more in the regions lying on the outskirts of the city centre.
Kring-apotheek de Pijp
Kuiperstraat 147 b
1073 ER Amsterdam
tel: 020-3792307
Kring-apotheek de Vijzel
Ceintuurbaan 398
1073 EN Amsterdam
tel: 020-6623610
Kring-apotheek Oud-Zuid
van Baerlestraat 101
1071 AV Amsterdam
tel: 020-6625060
Dam Apotheek
This pharmacy is located just across from the monument at Dam Square, in the city centre and is one of the few pharmacies in Amsterdam that is open on Saturdays.
Damstraat 2
1012 JM Amsterdam
tel: 020-6244331
This drug store, on one of the city’s main shopping streets, the Leidsestraat, has a pharmacy that is accessible through the store. The pharmacy is open daily from 9.00-21.50.
Leidsestraat 74-76
1017 PD Amsterdam
tel: 020-4220210
