Essential Indian Medicines Allowed in USA

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

When I first traveled to the US from India, I was shocked at the cost of simple medications – a basic paracetamol that costs ₹20 in India was priced at $6 (about ₹500)!

That experience taught me the importance of packing essential medicines from home.

But I also learned there are strict rules about bringing medications into the USA, when my cousin nearly had her Ayurvedic supplements confiscated at immigration.

For Indian travelers, bringing familiar and affordable medications from home makes sense, but knowing what’s allowed and how to carry them properly is crucial.

After numerous trips and helping dozens of family members plan their medical kits, I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to bringing medicines from India to the USA.

Quick Overview: Medicines from India to USA

Indians can legally bring a personal supply of prescription medications (generally up to 90 days) and reasonable quantities of over-the-counter medicines when traveling to the USA. Medications must be in original packaging with clear labeling.

Prescription medicines require a valid prescription or doctor’s letter in English.

Certain medications containing controlled substances may be restricted or prohibited, even with a prescription.

💡 Pro Tip: Always pack medicines in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. This prevents loss if your luggage is delayed and allows you to present them easily to customs officials if questioned. Keep them in their original packaging with labels intact.

Medicines You Can Legally Bring from India to USA

1. Common Over-the-Counter Medicines

These generally don’t require prescriptions and are fine to bring in reasonable quantities:

• Pain relievers: Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo), Ibuprofen (Brufen)
• Cold and flu medications: Vicks Action 500, D-Cold
• Digestive remedies: Digene, ENO, Pudin Hara
• Allergy medications: Cetirizine (Alerid), Levocetirizine
• Topical treatments: Soframycin, Betadine, Boroline
• First aid supplies: Band-aids, gauze, antiseptic creams

2. Prescription Medications

These require proper documentation:

• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin
• Blood pressure medications: Amlodipine, Losartan
• Diabetes medications: Metformin, Glimepiride
• Cholesterol medications: Statins like Atorvastatin
• Asthma medications: Inhalers, Montelukast
• Thyroid medications: Levothyroxine (Thyronorm)

Medicines to Avoid Bringing

Some medications legal in India are restricted or prohibited in the US:

1. Codeine-containing medications – Many Indian cough syrups contain codeine, which is a controlled substance in the US
2. Sleeping pills without proper prescription (Zolfresh, Restyl)
3. Strong painkillers containing narcotics
4. Combination antibiotics not approved by the FDA
5. Certain Ayurvedic medicines containing prohibited herbs or minerals
6. Medications with habit-forming ingredients

Documentation Required for Medicines

For Prescription Medications:

• Valid prescription from your doctor (in English)
• Doctor’s letter stating:
  • Your full name
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Names of medications prescribed
  • Dosage information
  • Doctor’s contact information
• Medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels
• Carry no more than a 90-day supply

For Over-the-Counter Medications:

• Keep in original packaging with visible ingredients list
• Consider a simple note listing what each medication is for

How to Pack Medicines for US Travel

Organizing Your Medicine Kit:

1. Use a dedicated toiletry bag or case for medicines
2. Group similar medicines together in labeled ziplock bags
3. Include a typed list of all medications, their purpose, and dosage
4. Keep prescriptions and medical documents in a waterproof pouch
5. Add a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and gauze

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Transferring pills to unmarked containers – Always keep medicines in original packaging
2. Not declaring medications at customs – Be honest if asked about medications
3. Carrying excessive quantities – Bring only what you reasonably need for your trip
4. Bringing medications for others – Only bring medicines for your personal use
5. Not checking ingredient restrictions – Some common Indian medicine ingredients are restricted in the US
6. Assuming all Ayurvedic medicines are allowed – Many contain herbs restricted by the FDA

I once met an Indian family at JFK airport who had their entire supply of medicines confiscated because they had removed all tablets from their packaging and combined them in unlabeled containers.

The customs officers couldn’t identify the pills, so they had to surrender everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring Ayurvedic medicines to the USA?

You can bring some Ayurvedic medicines for personal use, but they must not contain prohibited substances like certain herbs, metals, or animal products. Simple herbal products like Chyawanprash are generally fine, but products with multiple ingredients may face scrutiny.

What about homeopathic medicines?

Basic homeopathic medicines are generally allowed for personal use, but they should be properly labeled with ingredients. Some homeopathic remedies containing certain plant extracts may be restricted.

How much medicine is considered “personal use”?

Generally, up to a 90-day supply is considered reasonable for personal use. Bringing larger quantities may raise suspicions of intent to distribute or sell.

Do I need to declare my medicines at US customs?

Yes, you should declare prescription medications on your customs declaration form. Be prepared to show your prescriptions if asked by customs officials.

Can I mail or ship medicines from India to the USA?

Shipping prescription medicines to the USA is generally not recommended as they may be seized by customs. Mailed medicines must comply with both FDA and US Customs regulations, which is difficult to ensure.

Essential Indian Medicines Worth Bringing

For Digestive Issues:

• Pudin Hara – For gas and mild stomach discomfort
• ENO/Digene – For acidity (much cheaper than US antacids)
• Norflox-TZ/Oflox-OZ – For traveler’s diarrhea (prescription required)

For Pain and Fever:

• Crocin/Dolo – Indian paracetamol that many Indians prefer
• Combiflam – Ibuprofen and paracetamol combination
• Volini/Moov – Topical pain relievers popular in India

For Cold and Allergies:

• D-Cold Total – Multi-symptom cold relief
• Citrizine/Alerid – For allergies
• Otrivin – Nasal drops for congestion
• Vicks Vaporub – Familiar Indian version

For Skin Issues:

• Boroline – All-purpose antiseptic cream
• Himalaya Neem Face Wash – For acne-prone skin
• Soframycin – Antibiotic cream for minor cuts
• Itchguard – For fungal infections common in humid weather

💡 Pro Tip: Many common Indian medicines have American equivalents, but Indian travelers often prefer the familiar formulations they trust. If you do need to buy medicines in the US, pharmacists at stores like CVS or Walgreens can help you find similar alternatives to your Indian medications.

What To Do If You Run Out of Medicines in the USA

If you run out of medicines during your US stay:

1. For OTC medicines: Visit any pharmacy like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid
2. For prescription medicines: You’ll need to:
   • Find a walk-in clinic or urgent care center
   • Bring your empty medicine packaging and original prescription
   • The US doctor may write you a US prescription (for a fee)
   • Fill the prescription at a local pharmacy (costs will be high without US insurance)

Summary

• Bring a reasonable personal supply of medicines (up to 90 days’ worth)
• Keep all medications in original packaging with clear labels
• Carry prescriptions and doctor’s letters for all prescription medicines
• Avoid bringing codeine-based medicines, unlabeled pills, or large quantities
• Pack medicines in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage
• Declare prescription medications on your customs form
• Create a simple medicine kit with essentials for common travel ailments

Bringing the right medicines from India can save you money and give you peace of mind with familiar treatments, but following the proper procedures ensures you won’t have problems at US customs.

With careful planning, your medicine kit will help you stay healthy throughout your American adventure without any legal complications.

Safe travels and good health! ✈️