What Medications Are Available at Clinic Patong? A Quick Guide

If you find yourself in Patong with a nagging cough, a twisted ankle from a beach run, or a chronic prescription that ran out mid-trip, you are not alone. Phuket’s busiest beach neighborhood sees a steady stream of travelers with garden‑variety ailments, a few urgent problems, and the occasional long-term condition iv drip costs in Patong that needs steady management. Clinic Patong, like many well-run outpatient clinics in Thailand, stocks a practical range of medications aimed at common travel needs plus core primary care. Think acute infections, stomach bugs, pain and inflammation, minor injuries, skin problems, allergies, and a handful of long-term conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Controlled substances remain tightly regulated, and the clinic will refer to hospitals when appropriate.

This guide reflects the real mix I see in coastal Thai clinics that support visitors and locals. The exact inventory varies by day and by supplier, but the categories below capture what you can realistically expect, how physicians in the area typically prescribe, and where the guardrails sit.

How Thai clinic pharmacies operate

Clinics in Patong usually have an in-house dispensary. After a brief consultation, the clinician writes an order that the clinic pharmacist or nurse fills on the spot. Packaging often comes in small sachets labeled with timing instructions, which works well for travelers who do not want to carry a full box. Prices are generally transparent, and it is common to pay a combined fee that covers the exam and the medications. Expect generics for many first-line medicines, with branded options available for some antibiotics, inhalers, and dermatology products.

Documentation matters. If you need a medication for a chronic condition, bring a photo of your original prescription label or a digital note from your home clinician. The staff can use it to match dosages or recommend a local equivalent. For controlled medications, you will likely be referred to a hospital with specialist oversight.

Pain relief and anti-inflammatories

Pain and swelling come with beach sports, motorbike scrapes, and long flights. Clinics in Patong typically carry acetaminophen (paracetamol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or diclofenac. They may offer topical gels with diclofenac or ketoprofen for tendinopathy and sprains, often paired with rest, compression, and short-term immobilization.

In practice, dosing is conservative for visitors who have not had recent lab work. A clinician may choose acetaminophen if you drink alcohol or have a sensitive stomach, and will avoid NSAIDs if you report a peptic ulcer history, kidney disease, or uncontrolled hypertension. For acute muscular pain, a short course of a muscle relaxant can be added for night use. True opioid analgesics are rare in small clinics and heavily restricted; if you have severe pain, expect referral or imaging to rule out a fracture or surgical problem.

An example pattern: a traveler with a grade 1 ankle sprain may get ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours for 2 to 3 days, a topical anti-inflammatory gel, and instructions for elevation and gentle range-of-motion exercises. If swelling is significant, you may leave with a reusable ice pack and an elastic bandage rather than stronger pills.

Antibiotics for common infections

Thai clinicians are generally deliberate with antibiotics, particularly in tourist zones where resistance patterns matter. You will see familiar agents, but they are not handed out for viral colds. Expect a physical exam and, if warranted, a rapid test where available.

Respiratory infections: When bacterial sinusitis or lower respiratory infection is likely, first-line choices tend to be amoxicillin-clavulanate or a macrolide like azithromycin, with dosing aligned to severity and weight. Bronchitis in healthy adults is usually viral; you may receive inhaled bronchodilators or cough suppressants instead of antibiotics.

Ear, nose, and throat: For otitis externa from swimming, clinics stock acidifying ear drops often combined with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone. Pain control and ear-drying instructions get emphasized. For bacterial pharyngitis verified by a rapid test or clear centor criteria, penicillin-class antibiotics are standard unless you have an allergy.

Urinary tract infection: Many clinics carry nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with short-course regimens for uncomplicated cystitis. If you have fever, flank pain, or are pregnant, you will likely be sent for urinalysis and possibly to a hospital for closer monitoring. Clinics avoid fluoroquinolones unless indicated by resistance or allergy patterns.

Skin and soft tissue: Minor infected abrasions, folliculitis, or early cellulitis often respond to cephalexin or cloxacillin. If there is concern for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, options such as clindamycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may appear, though the clinician will weigh local resistance and the depth of infection.

Traveler’s diarrhea: When supportive care is not enough, azithromycin is a common first choice for moderate to severe bacterial diarrhea, especially with fever or blood. Rifaximin sometimes appears for non-invasive diarrhea in adults. Ciprofloxacin is less favored than it was 10 years ago due to resistance in Southeast Asia, but may still be used selectively.

Persistent or worsening infections trigger referral, imaging, or culture. A chest film for atypical pneumonia, wound swabs for stubborn cellulitis, or hospital admission for dehydration may be recommended rather than a second antibiotic by guesswork.

Gastrointestinal aids: from upset stomach to dehydration

Patong clinics see a steady parade of gastrointestinal complaints. Most are mild, and the in-house pharmacy leans on a few reliable agents.

For diarrhea, oral rehydration salts are foundational. A physician typically pairs them with loperamide for adults when there is no fever or blood in the stool. If cramps are severe, an antispasmodic can help. Simethicone tackles gas and bloating that come with dietary changes or swallowed air during snorkeling. Nausea may respond to ondansetron or domperidone, depending on your cardiac risk profile and concurrent medications.

Acid reflux and gastritis are common in travelers who mix spicy food, late dinners, and alcohol. Expect proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or pantoprazole, or H2 blockers for milder cases. If your symptoms match a known history of gastric ulcers or you are taking NSAIDs, the clinician may recommend a short course of a PPI with strict guidance about alcohol and coffee.

Foodborne illness that persists beyond 3 days, involves high fever, or comes with severe abdominal tenderness is not a “wait and see” case. Clinics can draw labs or refer you for ultrasound if there is a risk of appendicitis, gallbladder disease, or parasitic infection.

Respiratory support: cough, colds, and asthma flares

Dry airplane air and late nights often leave visitors with irritated throats or stubborn coughs. Clinic Patong usually stocks expectorants, cough suppressants with dextromethorphan hospital facilities Patong for sleep, saline nasal sprays, and non-drowsy daytime decongestants. Antihistamine-decongestant combinations are common, but the clinician will avoid them if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or an enlarged prostate that reacts poorly to anticholinergic effects.

Asthma and reactive airways are well supported. Short-acting beta-agonist inhalers like salbutamol are on hand, and many clinics carry a modest selection of inhaled corticosteroids or combination inhalers for those with a preexisting diagnosis. A brief course of oral steroids may be used for a moderate flare after assessment of peak flow and oxygen saturation. Nebulizer treatments can be administered on site if the clinic has the space and staff, which many do in Patong given the tourist volume.

If you are wheezing for the first time or your oxygen saturation is low despite a bronchodilator, you should expect transfer to a facility with imaging, labs, and close observation. Likewise, a raging sinus infection with facial swelling may earn you an ENT referral rather than a second decongestant.

Skin, sun, and sea: topical medications you will actually use

On the skin side, the inventory mirrors the environment. After three decades of working near beaches, I can predict the shelf: an aloe gel (sometimes with lidocaine), mild to moderate topical steroids like hydrocortisone or mometasone for inflammatory rashes, antihistamine creams for bites, and mixed antibiotic ointments for superficial scrapes. Fungal issues are frequent in heat and humidity, so clinics carry clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine creams. For more stubborn tinea corporis or tinea pedis, an oral antifungal may be considered after a quick exam.

Contact dermatitis from jellyfish or sea lice calls for cool compresses and a mild steroid cream; the clinic may dispense vinegar for box jellyfish stings or refer to a nearby emergency department if systemic symptoms appear. Sunburn management focuses on cooling, hydration, oral analgesics, and barrier creams when peeling begins. For infected acne flare-ups, topical clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide can be paired with a short oral antibiotic course when indicated.

It is worth noting that combination steroid-antifungal-antibiotic creams are popular in some markets but can worsen fungal infections if misused. A good clinician in Patong will explain the plan rather than handing you a combined cream without guidance.

Sexual health: discreet, evidence-based care

Patong’s nightlife is famous, and clinics are used to quiet requests for contraception and STI testing. You will generally find emergency contraception (levonorgestrel), standard oral contraceptive pills, and condoms. For suspected sexually transmitted infections, a clinician may order rapid tests for HIV and syphilis, and send samples to a laboratory for gonorrhea and chlamydia NAATs. Empiric treatments follow current guidelines, typically a cephalosporin for gonorrhea and doxycycline for chlamydia, with counseling on partner notification and abstinence during treatment.

Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV is time-sensitive and not something every small clinic stocks in depth. If you present within 72 hours, the clinic may initiate the first doses and arrange a same-day referral to a hospital pharmacy to complete the 28-day course. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is usually initiated through larger facilities or specialty clinics rather than a short-stay tourist consultation.

Allergy and immunology: taming the tropics

Allergic rhinitis, hives from seafood, and reactions to insect bites all show up in a beach clinic ledger. Oral non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are routine, with sedating options reserved for nighttime itch. For localized reactions, topical low- to mid-potency steroids manage swelling and redness. If you carry an epinephrine autoinjector, the clinicians will want to know where you keep it; if you have a systemic allergic reaction and do not have one, do not expect the clinic to send you back to your hotel. They will stabilize and transfer you to higher-level care where observation and repeat dosing are possible.

For asthma triggered by allergies, intranasal steroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists may be on hand, though availability varies. If you are on allergy immunotherapy back home, bring documentation; the clinic will not continue injections, but this helps them avoid interactions.

Eye and ear essentials

Swimmer’s ear, conjunctivitis, and minor corneal abrasions are common coastal complaints. Clinics carry acidifying ear drops with isopropyl alcohol and acetic acid for prevention and mild otitis externa, and antibiotic ear drops when infection sets in. For eyes, lubricating drops and antihistamine-mast cell stabilizers help with irritated, itchy eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis may be treated with erythromycin ointment or fluoroquinolone drops if contact lenses are involved.

If you woke up with sudden eye pain and light sensitivity after a beach day, the clinician will stain your cornea to check for abrasions. They keep anesthetic drops for exam use, but you will not be sent home with those drops; they obscure pain that protects the eye. Deep injuries, vision changes, or suspected herpetic lesions get an ophthalmology referral.

Chronic disease maintenance: practical but finite

Travelers with hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or dyslipidemia often run short on their maintenance medications. A Patong clinic will typically provide a short refill window after verifying your regimen. You can usually obtain:

Antihypertensives such as amlodipine, losartan, or enalapril, with a quick blood pressure check and attention to side effects you may have had at home.

Metformin and sometimes gliclazide for type 2 diabetes, with fingerstick glucose testing on site. Insulin pens and needles may be available, though specific analogs vary; if you require a particular brand, call ahead or plan for a hospital pharmacy visit.

Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism in common strengths, with a reminder to take it on an empty stomach and not to change brands lightly during short travel unless necessary.

Statins like simvastatin or atorvastatin, dispensed as a bridge until you return home and see your regular clinician.

The clinic’s limits appear when monitoring is needed. If you need a new anticoagulant prescription, or your warfarin dose depends on INR monitoring, expect referral. If your blood pressure is dangerously high or you have diabetes with signs of dehydration or infection, a clinic will escalate care rather than write a quick refill and hope.

Vaccines and preventive medications

Some clinics in Patong provide travel vaccines, but stock levels fluctuate with demand and supply. Tetanus boosters are commonly available, and they are frequently offered for wound care. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and influenza vaccines may be stocked seasonally or procured within a day. For rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after an animal bite, clinics typically clean and irrigate the wound, give the first vaccine dose, and coordinate the remaining series with a hospital, which also provides immunoglobulin if indicated.

Malaria prophylaxis is not a routine need for Phuket itself, and most clinics will not push it. If your itinerary extends to forested border areas, you will receive counseling and possibly a prescription depending on the specific region and season. Dengue has no self-administered preventive medication; clinics focus on education and prompt evaluation if you develop high fever, severe headache, or severe muscle pain.

Travel-specific support: altitude, motion, and sleep

Although Phuket is low altitude, travelers often request acetazolamide for upcoming mountain trips in other parts of Asia. Some clinics will prescribe it with proper counseling on timing and contraindications. Motion sickness medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine are easy to obtain for boat days, often alongside ginger lozenges and hydration advice.

For sleep, many visitors ask for “something strong.” Clinics in Patong generally avoid benzodiazepines for short-term insomnia in tourists and may offer a short run of a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic or recommend melatonin and sleep hygiene. If you report anxiety or panic, the clinician will screen for red flags and may offer a very limited dose of an anxiolytic under careful instruction, but ongoing or high-dose use triggers referral and documentation checks. Thailand’s regulation of psychoactive medications is strict, and responsible clinics comply.

Wound care and tetanus: more than a quick dressing

Scraped a knee on a reef or caught a muffler burn from a motorbike? Clinics are well practiced at debridement, irrigation, and dressing selection. They stock antiseptic solutions, hydrocolloid and non-adherent dressings, and topical antibiotics for contaminated superficial wounds. For deeper or heavily contaminated wounds, you may receive a prophylactic oral antibiotic and a precise follow-up plan. Tetanus status is checked; if uncertain and the wound warrants it, a tetanus booster is administered on site.

Suturing is available for simple lacerations. If a wound crosses a joint, involves a tendon, or sits on the face with cosmetic stakes, you should be referred to a facility with surgical coverage. The clinician will explain why, which often saves headaches later.

What you likely will not get at Clinic Patong

Certain categories are almost always limited:

Controlled opioids and stimulants are rarely dispensed in small clinics. Long-term ADHD medications, opioid painkillers, and benzodiazepines for chronic use require specialist management and documentation, often at a hospital.

Complex biologic agents, chemotherapy, and specialized endocrine injectables are outside a clinic’s purview. If you need refrigerated specialty drugs, coordinate with a hospital pharmacy in Phuket Town.

Large-volume supplies for months at a time are uncommon for visitors. Expect a practical amount to bridge you until you return home or can see a local specialist.

These boundaries are not a lack of service; they are guardrails for safety and legal compliance.

Brands, generics, and how to ask for what you need

Thailand’s pharmaceutical market includes both local generics and international brands. If you know the generic name, you will find it easier to match medications. For example, if you take Tylenol at home, ask for paracetamol. If you are on a branded inhaler, photograph the device and label; clinic staff can usually match the active ingredients to a local equivalent. For oral contraceptives, bringing the exact product name helps avoid unintentional changes in hormone ratios.

Language barriers are usually mild in Patong clinics, but precision helps. List your allergies clearly, include doses you take at home, and mention any prior side effects. If you are asking for antibiotics, be ready for a clinician to say no if they suspect a viral cause. A good clinic earns its reputation by not overprescribing.

Prices, insurance, and receipts

Medication and visit costs vary, but compared with hospital pricing, clinics are efficient. A straightforward visit with exam and a few days of medication might run the equivalent of 20 to 80 USD, depending on complexity and whether diagnostic tests are required. If you have travel insurance, ask for an itemized receipt listing the consultation and each medication. Many policies reimburse outpatient costs std symptoms Patong with proper documentation. If your plan requires preauthorization, the clinic receptionist can usually help you contact the insurer.

When the clinic is enough, and when it is not

A beachside clinic can meet most routine needs and many minor urgencies. Seek a higher level of care immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath that does not improve with an inhaler, uncontrolled bleeding, severe head injury, high fever with a stiff neck, signs of stroke, or severe abdominal pain. Do not wait for a clinic to open in the morning for those. In Patong, staff will readily arrange transfer to a nearby hospital.

For those day-to-day issues, Clinic Patong offers the right mix: straightforward medications for common conditions, thoughtful prescribing, and practical guidance to get you back to your trip. Bring your medication list, share your history honestly, and be open to local practice patterns that favor safety over unnecessary pills.

A quick traveler’s checklist for medications at Clinic Patong

Take clear photos of your home prescriptions and dosages, including labels. Carry a written list of allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications. For acute issues, describe your symptoms and timeline rather than requesting a specific drug. Ask for the generic name of anything you are given and instructions in writing. Keep receipts for insurance and note the clinic’s contact in case follow-up is needed.

Final thoughts for staying healthy in Patong

Most travelers to Phuket need nothing more than sunscreen and common sense. For the inevitable mishaps, Clinic Patong is well positioned to help with a targeted selection of medications and on-the-spot care. You can expect competent management of pain, minor infections, stomach upsets, skin problems, and chronic prescription bridges, with a clear line drawn when your situation calls for a hospital’s resources. That balance is what you want on a trip: just enough medicine to solve the problem, and a team that knows when the problem is bigger than a pill.

Takecare Doctor Patong Medical Clinic
Address: 34, 14 Prachanukroh Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Phone: +66 81 718 9080

FAQ About Takecare Clinic Doctor Patong

Will my travel insurance cover a visit to Takecare Clinic Doctor Patong?

Yes, most travel insurance policies cover outpatient visits for general illnesses or minor injuries. Be sure to check if your policy includes coverage for private clinics in Thailand and keep all receipts for reimbursement. Some insurers may require pre-authorization.

Why should I choose Takecare Clinic over a hospital?

Takecare Clinic Doctor Patong offers faster service, lower costs, and a more personal approach compared to large hospitals. It's ideal for travelers needing quick, non-emergency treatment, such as checkups, minor infections, or prescription refills.

Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome, especially during regular hours, but appointments are recommended during high tourist seasons to avoid wait times. You can usually book through phone, WhatsApp, or their website.

Do the doctors speak English?

Yes, the medical staff at Takecare Clinic Doctor Patong are fluent in English and used to treating international patients, ensuring clear communication and proper understanding of your concerns.

What treatments or services does the clinic provide?

The clinic handles general medicine, minor injuries, vaccinations, STI testing, blood work, prescriptions, and medical certificates for travel or work. It’s a good first stop for any non-life-threatening condition.

Is Takecare Clinic Doctor Patong open on weekends?

Yes, the clinic is typically open 7 days a week with extended hours to accommodate tourists and local workers. However, hours may vary slightly on holidays.

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