I have a cold.
What do you recommend?
English for work · Help in your language
How to Ask for Something for a Cold at the Pharmacy in English
You might say: “I have a cold. What do you recommend?” (I have a cold. What do you recommend?). Mention your symptoms in one sentence, say if you're taking other medication, and ask how much and how often to take it. The pharmacist is there for that and doesn't charge for answering.
English Phrases with Interpretation
With the pharmacist, you only need three things: what you have, what you're already taking, and how to take what they give you.
I have a sore throat and a cough.
It started two days ago.
Is this one non-drowsy?
I have to drive to work.
How often should I take it?
How many days?
Is there a cheaper one that works the same?
I don't have insurance.
Dialogue to Practice Out Loud
Read one role and then the other. Explanations help you understand; try repeating afterward without looking at them.
- Pharmacist
Can I help you find something?
- Customer
Yes, please. I have a cold — a sore throat and a cough. What do you recommend?
- Pharmacist
This one will help with both. Take it every six hours.
- Customer
Is it non-drowsy? I have to drive. And is there a cheaper one that works the same?
How to Adapt Your Answers
- “Non-drowsy” means it doesn't make you drowsy, and it's written on the box. It's the word you most want to recognize.
- Requesting the generic is normal: “Is there a store brand?” (Is there a store brand?) usually costs much less and contains the same component.
- Always mention if you're taking another medication, even if it's for blood pressure or something natural. “I also take…” is enough.
Now It's Your Turn to Talk
Without reading, state your symptoms, how long you've had them, and ask two questions about the medicine: how often to take it and if it causes drowsiness.
Practice the Counter at Beacon Drug →
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