Pharmacies are common places where clear communication is very important. Whether you are buying medicine, asking about dosage, describing symptoms, or understanding a prescription, knowing the right English phrases can help you avoid confusion. Conversations at a pharmacy often include health-related vocabulary and polite questions.
In this blog post, you will explore English conversations at a pharmacy with simple and practical dialogue examples. You will learn useful phrases for asking about medicines, explaining symptoms, understanding instructions, and speaking with a pharmacist confidently. Whether you are preparing for travel, improving your spoken English, or teaching real-life communication skills, these dialogues will help you communicate clearly and naturally in pharmacy situations.
English Conversations at a Pharmacy
Scene: A pharmacy. A customer walks in and approaches the pharmacist.
Customer: Good morning.
Pharmacist: Good morning! How can I help you today?
Customer: I need some medicine for a cold. I have a runny nose, a sore throat, and a slight fever.
Pharmacist: I see. How long have you been feeling like this?
Customer: Since yesterday morning.
Pharmacist: Do you have any other symptoms? Like coughing or body aches?
Customer: Yes, I have a mild cough, and my body feels a little weak.
Pharmacist: Do you have any allergies to medicines?
Customer: No, I don’t think so.
Pharmacist: That’s good. I recommend taking this cold medicine. It helps with fever, sore throat, and runny nose.
Customer: How often should I take it?
Pharmacist: Take one tablet every six hours. You should also drink plenty of water and get some rest.
Customer: Alright. Do I need a prescription for this medicine?
Pharmacist: No, this is an over-the-counter medicine, so you don’t need a prescription.
Customer: Great. Can I also get something for my cough?
Pharmacist: Sure. You can take this cough syrup. It will help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
Customer: How much should I take?
Pharmacist: Take two teaspoons three times a day. It’s best to take it after meals.
Customer: Okay. Will it make me sleepy?
Pharmacist: No, this one does not cause drowsiness.
Customer: That’s good. How long should I take these medicines?
Pharmacist: You should feel better in three to four days. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve, you should see a doctor.
Customer: Alright. I will do that. Do you have anything for a sore throat?
Pharmacist: Yes, you can try these throat lozenges. They will help relieve the pain and irritation.
Customer: How often can I take them?
Pharmacist: You can take one lozenge every two to three hours, but not more than eight in a day.
Customer: Got it. I’ll take the cold medicine, cough syrup, and throat lozenges.
Pharmacist: Great. Anything else?
Customer: No, that’s all. How much do I need to pay?
Pharmacist: Let me check. That will be $18.50 in total.
Customer: Here you go.
Pharmacist: Thank you. Here is your change and your receipt.
Customer: Thanks. One more thing—should I avoid anything while taking these medicines?
Pharmacist: Yes, avoid cold drinks and spicy food. Drink warm liquids like tea and soup. Also, get enough rest.
Customer: Alright. Thank you for your help.
Pharmacist: You’re welcome! Take care and get well soon.
Customer: Thanks! Have a nice day.
Pharmacist: You too!
A Conversation at a Pharmacy – 2
Customer: Hello, good afternoon.
Pharmacist: Good afternoon! How can I help you today?
Customer: I have a terrible headache and a slight fever. Do you have something for that?
Pharmacist: Yes, I can recommend this pain reliever. It will help with your headache and reduce your fever.
Customer: How often should I take it?
Pharmacist: Take one tablet every six hours, but don’t take more than four tablets in a day.
Customer: Alright. Should I take it with food?
Pharmacist: Yes, it’s better to take it after a meal to avoid stomach discomfort.
Customer: Okay. Do you have anything for a blocked nose?
Pharmacist: Yes, we have nasal sprays and decongestant tablets. Would you like a spray or tablets?
Customer: I’ll take the spray. How do I use it?
Pharmacist: Spray once in each nostril, two to three times a day. Don’t use it for more than five days, or it may make your nose worse.
Customer: Oh, I see. Thanks for telling me.
Pharmacist: You’re welcome. Anything else you need?
Customer: No, that’s all for now. How much is it?
Pharmacist: The total is $12.50.
Customer: Here you go.
Pharmacist: Thank you. Here’s your receipt. Get well soon!
Customer: Thanks! Have a good day.
Pharmacist: You too!
Key Phrases Used at a Pharmacy
🔹 Greetings
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Good morning / Good afternoon
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Hello
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How can I help you today?
🔹 Describing Health Problems
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I need some medicine for a cold.
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I have a sore throat / runny nose / fever.
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I have a terrible headache.
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I have a mild cough.
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My body feels weak.
🔹 Answering Questions About Symptoms
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Since yesterday.
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I have a slight fever.
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No, I don’t have any allergies.
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Yes, I have a mild cough.
🔹 Asking About Medicines
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Do I need a prescription?
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Can I get something for my cough?
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Do you have anything for a blocked nose?
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Which one do you recommend?
🔹 Dosage and Usage
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How often should I take it?
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Take one tablet every six hours.
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Take it after meals.
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Two teaspoons three times a day.
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Don’t take more than four tablets a day.
🔹 Side Effects and Safety
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Will it make me sleepy?
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Does it cause drowsiness?
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Should I avoid anything while taking this medicine?
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Don’t use it for more than five days.
🔹 Payment and Closing
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How much do I need to pay?
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That will be… in total.
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Here you go.
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Here’s your receipt.
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Get well soon!
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Thank you for your help.
