Italian pharmacies (farmacie) are easy to spot — look for the green cross sign, which is illuminated and often flashes when the pharmacy is open. They're more central to everyday healthcare in Italy than in many other countries, and pharmacists are trained to advise on minor ailments directly.
Prescription vs. over-the-counter
Many common medications that are over-the-counter elsewhere — including some antibiotics and stronger painkillers — require a prescription in Italy. Basic pain relief, allergy medication, and cold remedies are generally available without one, and pharmacists are usually happy to recommend something if you describe your symptoms.
Farmacia di turno
Not every pharmacy is open late or on Sundays, but every area has a rotating on-duty pharmacy — the farmacia di turno — that stays open outside normal hours. Most pharmacies post a sign in the window listing the nearest one, and it's also searchable online by city.
Getting a prescription filled
If you need a prescription-only medication and don't have a local doctor yet, a video consultation can often produce a valid Italian e-prescription the same day, which you can then take to any farmacia — no need to track down a walk-in clinic first.