Asking for Over-the-Counter Medicine Recommendation
A customer describes their symptoms (e.g., headache, cold) to a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant and asks for a suitable over-the-counter medication.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
headache
A pain in your head, often caused by stress, illness, or lack of sleep. Use it when describing symptoms to a doctor or pharmacist.
dull ache
A mild, continuous pain that is not sharp. 'Dull' means not strong or bright, and 'ache' is a steady pain. Useful for describing less intense pains.
throbbing
A pulsing or beating sensation, like your heart beating in the painful area. Common for headaches; say 'It's throbbing' to describe the feeling.
run down
Feeling tired, weak, or unwell, often from overwork or illness. It's an informal phrase; use it to explain general fatigue during a doctor's visit.
pain relievers
Medicines that reduce or stop pain, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Plural form for general types; ask for them in pharmacies when you need something for pain.
ibuprofen
A common over-the-counter medicine for pain, fever, and inflammation. It's a brand-generic name; pronounce it 'eye-bew-pro-fen' and use it to request anti-inflammatory drugs.
tablets
Small, solid pills you swallow. Use this word when asking about pill forms of medicine, as in 'How many tablets per dose?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm looking for something for a headache.
This is a polite way to start asking for medicine. 'Looking for something for' is a common pattern for requesting items to solve a problem. Use it in stores or pharmacies to describe your need clearly.
Is it a dull ache or more like a sharp pain?
A question to clarify symptoms by giving options. The structure 'Is it A or B?' helps narrow down details. Useful for pharmacists or doctors to ask patients; it shows professional questioning.
It's more of a dull ache, kind of throbbing.
Describes symptoms with comparisons like 'more of a' and 'kind of' for softening. This sentence teaches descriptive language for pain. Use it to explain feelings accurately when seeking advice.
Have you taken anything for it yet?
Checks for previous treatments using present perfect 'have you taken' for actions up to now. 'For it' refers back to the problem. Essential for medical conversations to avoid interactions.
For a dull, throbbing headache, I'd recommend ibuprofen.
Gives a recommendation with 'I'd recommend' (I would recommend), a polite suggestion. Lists symptoms first for context. Use this pattern when advising or when a pharmacist explains choices.
You can take two tablets every 4-6 hours as needed.
Provides dosage instructions using 'can take' for permission/ability and 'as needed' for optional use. Time expressions like 'every 4-6 hours' are key. Repeat this to confirm understanding in health settings.
Don't exceed six tablets in 24 hours.
A warning with imperative 'Don't exceed' meaning do not go over a limit. 'In 24 hours' specifies the time frame. Important for safety; use similar warnings when giving or receiving medical advice.