Ask a Doctor or Pharmacist How to Take Medicine in Portuguese
Use direct questions to confirm the instructions written for your own medication rather than guessing from a similar word.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
A medication label can contain unfamiliar abbreviations or timing instructions. Show the package or written prescription to a qualified professional and ask them to explain the directions for that specific medicine.
Show the label and ask for an explanation
Use como devo tomar? (how should I take it?) to open the conversation. Avoid relying on a translation app alone when a dose or instruction is unclear.
Você pode me explicar esta orientação, por favor?
Could you explain this instruction to me, please?
Como devo tomar este medicamento?
How should I take this medicine?
Pode escrever a orientação para eu conferir depois?
Could you write down the instruction so I can check it later?
Confirm the timing and wording you heard
If you heard a number or time but are unsure, repeat it back as a question. Ask whether the instruction refers to a time of day, a meal, or another detail that appears on your prescription.
This is a language guide, not a medication recommendation. Follow the instructions from the professional responsible for your care and ask them to resolve any ambiguity.
Entendi que está escrito duas vezes ao dia. Está correto?
I understood that it says twice a day. Is that correct?
Preciso tomar com comida ou isso não está indicado?
Do I need to take it with food, or is that not specified?
Por quantos dias devo seguir esta orientação?
For how many days should I follow this instruction?
Ask what to do if you missed or misunderstood a direction
If you missed an instruction or cannot read part of the label, say exactly which part is unclear. Ask the professional what to do instead of doubling, skipping, or changing a dose based on a guess.
Bring the package or a photo of the label when you ask a follow-up question. The name and strength printed on the package can help the professional identify what you mean.
Não entendi o que devo fazer se esquecer um horário.
I didn’t understand what I should do if I miss a dose time.
Esta parte da receita está difícil de ler.
This part of the prescription is difficult to read.
Você pode confirmar se o nome do medicamento é este?
Could you confirm whether this is the name of the medicine?
Check how to contact the clinic or pharmacy again
Before leaving, ask how to reach the clinic or pharmacy if you need the directions clarified later. Keep the phone number and written instructions with the medication packaging.
If you have a new or worsening health concern, contact a qualified healthcare professional or local emergency service as appropriate; a language phrase cannot replace personal medical guidance.
Qual telefone devo usar se tiver outra dúvida?
Which phone number should I use if I have another question?
A farmácia pode conferir esta receita comigo?
Can the pharmacy review this prescription with me?
Vou guardar a orientação junto com a embalagem.
I’ll keep the instructions with the package.
Put it into practice
Ask the healthcare professional to explain the exact written directions, then repeat the key details back for confirmation.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Could you confirm whether this is the name of the medicine”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.