Drug stores in Costa Rica are for medicine and cosmetics retailers. They are also known as pharmacies. There are several chains and independent entrepreneurs engaged in these businesses, which are located in major population clusters and each one must have a specialist with a degree who is called "regent."
Most drugs are freely available over the counter in any Costa Rican pharmacies without a prescription. Exceptions are strong pain relievers and narcotics that require a special prescription. In Costa Rica, pharmacists are permitted to prescribe medicines as well as administer on-the-spot injections. They are also available to answer your questions and give free medical advice about less complex conditions.
Some pharmacies open 24-hours a day, have bilingual employees to help you and will often deliver to your home.
Pharmacies are numerous in Costa Rica and they stock most standard medicines available in Europe, Canada and the U.S. In general, the cost of most medicines is lower (up to 80%) than those in the U.S.