CA · regulator Health Canada
Medicine brand names in Canada
The local brand name for each active ingredient in Canada. 21 of 22 medicines have a listed local brand. If a medicine shows "generic", ask the pharmacist for it by its ingredient name.
| Active ingredient | Brand in Canada | Class | ATC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Tylenol | Analgesic, antipyretic | N02BE01 |
| Ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | NSAID | M01AE01 |
| Co-amoxiclav | Clavulin | Penicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor | J01CR02 |
| Amoxicillin | Generic | Penicillin antibiotic | J01CA04 |
| Omeprazole | Losec | Proton pump inhibitor | A02BC01 |
| Esomeprazole | Nexium | Proton pump inhibitor | A02BC05 |
| Metformin | Glucophage | Biguanide antidiabetic | A10BA02 |
| Atorvastatin | Lipitor | Statin | C10AA05 |
| Amlodipine | Norvasc | Calcium channel blocker | C08CA01 |
| Losartan | Cozaar | Angiotensin II receptor blocker | C09CA01 |
| Cetirizine | Reactine | Antihistamine | R06AE07 |
| Loratadine | Claritin | Antihistamine | R06AX13 |
| Fexofenadine | Allegra | Antihistamine | R06AX26 |
| Salbutamol | Ventolin | Short-acting beta-2 agonist | R03AC02 |
| Montelukast | Singulair | Leukotriene receptor antagonist | R03DC03 |
| Levothyroxine | Synthroid, Eltroxin | Thyroid hormone | H03AA01 |
| Diclofenac | Voltaren | NSAID | M01AB05 |
| Ciprofloxacin | Cipro | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic | J01MA02 |
| Azithromycin | Zithromax | Macrolide antibiotic | J01FA10 |
| Metronidazole | Flagyl | Nitroimidazole antimicrobial | P01AB01 |
| Sertraline | Zoloft | SSRI antidepressant | N06AB06 |
| Clopidogrel | Plavix | Antiplatelet | B01AC04 |
Same active ingredient does not always mean the same strength, salt or release form. Check the pack and ask a local pharmacist.
Travelling to Canada with medicines
- Carry medicines in their original, labelled packs, with a copy of the prescription.
- Write down the active ingredient and strength, not just the brand name.
- Some medicines that are sold over the counter at home need a prescription abroad, or are restricted. Check the destination's rules before you travel.
- If a local pack looks different, compare the strength, salt and release form (for example SR or XR) with the pharmacist.
Official source
Medicines in Canada are licensed by Health Canada. Pillport checks brand names against this regulator.
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