How to Say "medication" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “medication” is “medicamento” — use this general term for any substance or preparation used for medical treatment, similar to 'medication' or 'drug'. It's a very common and versatile choice.
medicamento
meh-dee-kah-MEN-tohmeðikaˈmento

Examples
Tengo que tomar mi medicamento cada ocho horas.
I have to take my medication every eight hours.
El médico me recetó un medicamento para el dolor.
The doctor prescribed me a medicine for the pain.
¿Este medicamento tiene efectos secundarios?
Does this medication have side effects?
Masculine Noun Ending in -o
Since it ends in -o, it is almost always masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it (el medicamento).
Using 'droga' instead
Mistake: “Using 'droga' to mean medicine.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'droga' usually refers to illegal substances. Use 'medicamento' or 'medicina' for health related items.
medicina
meh-dee-SEE-nahmeðiˈsina

Examples
Necesitas tomar esta medicina dos veces al día.
You need to take this medicine twice a day.
¿Dónde puedo comprar la medicina para el dolor de cabeza?
Where can I buy the medicine for the headache?
Esta medicina tiene un sabor muy amargo.
This medication has a very bitter taste.
Gender Alert
Remember that 'medicina' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' (la medicina) and feminine adjectives (medicina buena).
Using the wrong synonym
Mistake: “Using 'doctor' instead of 'medicina' when referring to a drug. ('Necesito un doctor para la tos' instead of 'una medicina para la tos')”
Correction: Use 'medicamento' or 'medicina' for the substance, and 'médico' or 'doctor' for the person.
medicación
Examples
La doctora me recetó una medicación muy fuerte.
The doctor prescribed me very strong medication.
fármaco
Examples
El doctor está probando un nuevo fármaco para la alergia.
The doctor is testing a new drug for allergies.
antibiótico
Examples
Tengo que tomar el antibiótico cada ocho horas.
I have to take the antibiotic every eight hours.
píldoras
Examples
Necesito ir a la farmacia a comprar mis píldoras para la presión.
I need to go to the pharmacy to buy my pills for my blood pressure.
General vs. Specific Terms
Related Translations
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