What this solves
It's 11pm Sunday in Rome. Your child has a fever. You need ibuprofen or paracetamol. Most pharmacies are closed — but one in your zone is "di turno" (on duty), open through the night. This tool tells you how to find it.
Find the open pharmacy
How to find the open pharmacy
- Look at the door of any closed pharmacy. They post the schedule: "Farmacie di turno in questa zona" with dates and the address of the currently-on-duty pharmacy.
- Google search. "farmacie di turno [city]" works for current shifts.
- Call 112 (EU emergency) — they can direct you to the open pharmacy.
- Use the app "Farmacia Aperta" (Italian, free) — it locates the nearest on-duty pharmacy by GPS.
- Visit the local Guardia Medica (medical guard) — for non-emergency medical advice when pharmacies are closed. Less common in cities, more in rural areas.
Typical pharmacy hours
| Day | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 8:30-13:00 and 15:30-19:30 | Lunch closure 1.5-2 hours |
| Saturday | 8:30-13:00 (some open afternoon) | Half day typical |
| Sunday | Rotation: 1 pharmacy open per zone | Closed otherwise |
| Late night | Rotation pharmacy open | Closed otherwise |
| Public holiday | Rotation pharmacy | Closed otherwise |
How to read the result
- The open? status tells you what to expect.
- The how to find gives the specific steps.
- The cost note warns about surcharges.
Limitations
- Prescription medicines require a doctor's prescription (ricetta). Pharmacies can sell some prescriptions but not controlled substances (some sleeping pills, strong painkillers).
- Pharmacy prices for OTC medicines are similar across Italy (regulated). Tourists pay the same as Italians.
- Some US/UK/Canadian medicines have different brand names. Bring the generic name (e.g., paracetamol not Tylenol).
- "Farmacia" is regulated; "parafarmacia" (in supermarkets) sells only OTC, no prescriptions.
FAQ
Can I get paracetamol without a prescription?
Yes. Paracetamol (Tachipirina in Italy), ibuprofen (Moment), aspirin (Aspirina) — all OTC. Pharmacies sell them without prescription.
Do pharmacies have English-speaking staff?
Major pharmacies in tourist areas often have someone who speaks English. Smaller pharmacies less so. Use the generic drug name and describe symptoms; Italian pharmacists are very experienced at diagnosis.
Sources
Italian pharmacy association (Federfarma); observation across Italian cities 2024-2026.