There are many cultural differences between the United States and England. For example, the English call sliced potatoes “chips’, whereas the Americans call them “fries”. Americans prefer their coffee, whereas the English quite famously enjoy their cuppa tea. Believe it or not, there are even differences between English and American medications! Let’s take a look at nine crazy differences between American and English medication as noted by a British doctor who recently visited the States.
Ibuprofen
When she walked into the drugstore, the first thing she grabbed was a large multi-pack including two bottles of ibuprofen. Two bottles worth of this medication equals 1,000 tablets! In England, the maximum number of capsules per pack is 16, and the majority of shops permit you to buy two at a time. So that is a total of a 32-tablet limit in England compared to a thousand in America!
Melatonin Gummies
Melatonin gummies are widely available in the United States and are meant to help with sleep. In the United Kingdom, doctors can prescribe a maximum dose of 2 mg for insomnia, yet many products on the market in America have 10 mg.
Omeprazole
The next surprising contrast between the UK and America involves omeprazole. This medication is typically used to treat heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. It’s another medication that requires a prescription in England, yet is available in pharmacies throughout America.
Aleve
The British doctor then proceeded to pick up a bottle of Aleve, which is used to treat back and muscle discomfort. Aleve contains naproxen, a “super strong anti-inflammatory” that is only obtainable with a prescription in the United Kingdom and cannot be acquired at pharmacies.
Paracetamol
Like ibuprofen, paracetamol is sold in America in large tubs that contain 500 capsules, which the doctor from England called “crazy.” While the United Kingdom only sells up to 18 capsules per box, the United States allows 250 doses of two capsules in a single bottle.
Antibiotic and Pain Relief Ointment
The doctor also looked at an antibiotic and pain treatment ointment containing trimethoprim. It is usually used to prevent infection from burns, wounds, and scrapes. In the United Kingdom, antibiotics cannot be purchased over the counter; a medical professional must prescribe them.
Crest whitening products
Crest teeth whitening products, which range from toothpaste to whitening strips, are quite popular in the United States. These are all prohibited in the United Kingdom because they contain significantly higher levels of hydrogen peroxide than are permitted in local dental products by law.
Purelax
The British doctor then picked up a large 26.9 oz bottle of Purelax, a laxative typically used to ease occasional constipation. Who would possibly need so much laxative? Or someone is stocking up for a future occasion. Either way, the amount seemed ridiculous to the doctor.
Contraceptive Pill
For the last example, the British doctor pointed out that In the United Kingdom, the contraceptive pill is only available with a prescription from a medical professional or a sexual health center. In the United States, however, you can buy a daily oral contraception at CVS and carry it directly to the cash register.
Other Differences Between US and UK Medication
Aside from the availability of medications, there are also differences in how they are advertised and labeled. In the United States of America, for example, pharmaceutical commercials are common on television, pushing prescription medications directly to customers. However, this form of advertising is strictly forbidden in the United Kingdom, where medication promotion is tightly controlled. Furthermore, the United States favors brand-name pharmaceuticals, whereas in the United Kingdom, generic alternatives are more typically prescribed and favored.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, these contrasts illustrate more than just differences in medication accessibility; they also reflect the cultural and structural discrepancies between the two countries’ healthcare methods. The American system promotes consumer access and choice, which often leads to larger quantities and higher doses. Meanwhile, the UK prioritizes stronger laws and medical evaluation.
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