Can I bring NyQuil Cold & Flu to Korea?
Multi-ingredient product · NyQuil Severe · Vicks NyQuil
Required사전 승인 필요
NyQuil Cold & Flu requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel.
Every NyQuil Cold & Flu variant (regular, Severe, Ultra) contains dextromethorphan, which Korea lists as a psychotropic substance. Bringing it in requires written MFDS approval, which is not practical for a cold remedy. Leave it at home; Korean pharmacies sell equivalent cold medicine without a prescription.
Ingredient by ingredient
A product follows its strictest ingredient. This is how each active ingredient stands in Korea:
| Ingredient | In Korea | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen325 mg per LiquiCap | OK | Sold over the counter in Korea. |
| Dextromethorphan HBr10 mg per LiquiCap | Needs MFDS approval | Listed in annex 6 of the Korean narcotics decree as a psychotropic substance. This ingredient sets the verdict for the whole product. |
| Doxylamine succinate6.25 mg per LiquiCap | OK | A sedating antihistamine, not on Korea's controlled lists. |
Before you fly
- 1.Apply for the MFDS self-treatment permit at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Results are issued within 10 business days.
- 2.Prepare a passport copy, your flight itinerary, the prescription, and a doctor's note stating diagnosis and daily dose, in Korean or English. The permit covers up to a 90-day supply.
- 3.Pack the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. Loose pills in an unmarked container invite questions you do not want at the border.
- 4.On arrival, take the goods-to-declare channel and show the permit with the medication.
Questions
Is ZzzQuil also restricted?
ZzzQuil is a different product with no dextromethorphan: regular ZzzQuil uses diphenhydramine and ZzzQuil Ultra uses doxylamine. Neither is a controlled substance in Korea, so the customs personal-use allowance of six bottles or a three-month supply applies.
What can I take instead when I catch a cold in Korea?
Korean pharmacies sell combination cold medicines over the counter, and basics such as Tylenol are stocked in convenience stores. A pharmacist can match your symptoms without a prescription.
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MedsToKorea is an independent site with no affiliation to the Korean government. Travel preparation only, not medical or legal advice. Regulations change: confirm with the MFDS, Korea Customs Service, or a Korean embassy before traveling. We store no searches and no health data.