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The Israeli pharmacy is more than prescription pickup, it's a hybrid drugstore + health center. Major chains: Super-Pharm (largest, ~250 stores), Be Pharm (kupa-owned), Pharma Israel. OTC vocabulary: trufot lo m'kashravot (non-prescription medications), vitamines, beauty (yofy), baby care (tinok), first aid (ezra rishona). Pharmacists provide brief consultations free for minor issues. Many stores open Friday afternoon for Shabbat-week shopping.
Cultural note, Super-Pharm is the Israeli equivalent of CVS/Walgreens, full drugstore with pharmacy in back. Be Pharm is more clinical, kupa-affiliated, focuses on prescriptions. For OTC questions ("which painkiller for migraines?"), the rokeach is your first stop, Israel's pharmacists are highly educated and direct. Note: many medications considered prescription elsewhere (codeine, certain antibiotics) require prescriptions in Israel; same goes for melatonin in some forms.
Pharmacy Chains
Over-the-Counter Items
Pharmacy Categories
Medical Vocabulary
Conversation Vocabulary
Asking the Pharmacist
An oleh asks a Super-Pharm pharmacist for help with sore throat.