Doctors often dispense their own medicine, which saves you a separate trip to the pharmacy. For minor ailments, you can visit a pharmacy for advice and may be able to get the necessary drugs without seeing a doctor. Malaysia’s drug control laws mean that pharmacists can’t dispense painkillers containing codeine, but you should be able to get antibiotics, asthma medication and antihistamines without a prescription. Pharmacists will also fill repeat prescriptions from your doctor. The two major chains are Watson’s and Guardian – you’ll find branches of both in all major shopping centres. Pharmacies are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00, and 24 hour pharmacy services are available from the major private hospitals.