Practical guide
Pharmacies in Asunción
Need medicine at 2 am? Farmacenter keeps 23 Asunción branches open around the clock, and every pharmacy posts the on-duty list outside. Here is how to find one, get delivery and what needs a prescription. For anything urgent, go to a doctor or a hospital: our hospitals guide lists where.
How pharmacies work in Asunción
DINAVISA, the national health surveillance agency, regulates medicines and the shops that sell them. Law 6788 made it an autonomous agency in 2021.
Every licensed pharmacy has a responsible pharmacist, the regente. Under Decree 8342 of 1995, the regente must be on the premises at least three hours a day, and the pharmacy must display the regente's name and registration number, a notice of the regente's hours, and a copy of the pharmacy degree or professional card. Look for them near the counter.
The big chains, in alphabetical order:
Independent neighborhood pharmacies follow the same rules.
Finding one open late: the on-duty pharmacy
Paraguay runs a farmacia de turno system. The same decree defines the turno as a set period when private pharmacies take turns serving the public day and night. Every pharmacy must post the list of on-duty pharmacies outside, where you can read it from the sidewalk, and have a bell for turno service. At night, the on-duty pharmacy can serve you through a window.
The fastest option is a chain branch that never closes. On October 5, 2026, Farmacenter's branch list marked 23 of its 39 Asunción branches "24 hs", among them:
- Central, downtown: Estrella between 14 de Mayo and 15 de Agosto.
- Aviadores: Aviadores del Chaco and Mayor Merlo.
- Carmelitas: San Martín and Federación Rusa.
- Mcal. López: Mariscal López near Senador Long.
- Sajonia: Carlos Antonio López between Dr. Paiva and Testanova.
Need a ride to a late pharmacy? See booking a ride.
Home delivery
Farmacenter: order on its website and choose delivery or free branch pickup. The delivery fee depends on the distance from the nearest branch and shows at checkout. You can also order by phone at 021 26 26 000, *FARMA (32762) from a mobile, or WhatsApp on the same 021 number.
Punto Farma: delivers nationwide and takes orders through its call center at 021 61 61 000 or *6161 from any mobile.
Farmacia Catedral runs an online shop.
Ordering a prescription medicine? Ask how the pharmacy wants the prescription before it sends a driver.
Prescriptions: what you can and can't buy
Since November 1, 2018, antibiotics taken by mouth or by injection need a prescription in Paraguay. Creams and other topical antibiotics are exempt. The pharmacy keeps the prescription on file for two years and logs each sale. The prescription is valid for five days and must show the patient's name, ID number and diagnosis, plus the doctor's signature, stamp and registration number.
Under Law 1119 of 1997, the health authority decides which medicines can be sold without a prescription. Bring your doctor's prescription from home and show it to the pharmacist.
Bringing your own medicines. The same law exempts medicines for personal use from prior authorization, as long as you carry them yourself (or someone you authorize does) in quantities that are strictly necessary and reasonable. Keep them in their original packaging with your prescription.
Buy only from registered pharmacies
Buy medicines from a licensed pharmacy, where a named pharmacist answers for what is sold. The herb stalls at Mercado 4 are a separate tradition of medicinal plants, not pharmacies. In the hot months, our summer heat guide covers staying hydrated.
FAQ
How do I find a pharmacy open at night in Asunción?
Check the on-duty list posted outside any pharmacy, or go to a Farmacenter branch marked 24 hs. On October 5, 2026, 23 of its 39 Asunción branches were open around the clock.
Do pharmacies in Asunción deliver?
Yes. Farmacenter delivers with a fee based on distance and offers free branch pickup. Punto Farma delivers nationwide through its call center at 021 61 61 000.
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Paraguay?
No. Since November 1, 2018, antibiotics taken by mouth or injection need a prescription, which the pharmacy keeps on file.
Can I bring my own medicines to Paraguay?
Yes, in quantities strictly necessary for personal use, under Law 1119 of 1997. Keep them in their original packaging with your prescription.
New in town and feeling rough? Join Open Asu on WhatsApp and ask which pharmacy near you is open.