Bronchodilator patch

Tulobuterol patch (Hokunalin Tape)

Tulobuterol (transdermal patch) · ホクナリン

Hokunalin Tape is a Japanese invention: a 24-hour bronchodilator patch stuck on the chest or back, prescribed very widely to children and adults with cough and wheeze. Foreign parents are often surprised to receive a patch instead of an inhaler; it is a beta-agonist like salbutamol, so use only as directed.

Reviewed by pharmacist Saya Yamaguchi
At a glance
Prescription status
Prescription only
Over the counter
Not sold OTC
Bringing it into Japan
✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
Names abroad
호쿠날린 · 妥洛特罗贴剂

Over the counter

Prescription only.

Prescription products in Japan

35 products

Products on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.

Brand namesホクナリン
Generic29 generic products
Dosage formsOral · Topical
Strengths (oral)1mg
Official price (per tablet or unit)¥6.9 – ¥9
Official NHI drug price. Patients with Japanese insurance pay 10–30%; visitors without it pay the full price plus consultation fees.

Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.

All listed products (35) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
ホクナリンテープ0.5mgTopical · ¥17.8/sheet
ホクナリンテープ1mgTopical · ¥23.5/sheet
ホクナリンテープ2mgTopical · ¥35.9/sheet
ホクナリンドライシロップ0.1%小児用Oral · ¥9/g
ホクナリン錠1mgOral · ¥8.6/tablet
ツロブテロール(0.5mg)貼付剤 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「NP」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「QQ」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「VTRS」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「YP」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「サワイ」Topical · ¥22.9/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「タカタ」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「テイコク」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「トーワ」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5mg「久光」 · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ0.5「オーハラ」 0.5mg · GenericTopical · ¥13.1/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「QQ」 · GenericTopical · ¥16.3/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「VTRS」 · GenericTopical · ¥14.2/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「YP」 · GenericTopical · ¥16.3/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「サワイ」 · GenericTopical · ¥22.8/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「タカタ」 · GenericTopical · ¥16.3/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「テイコク」 · GenericTopical · ¥19/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「トーワ」 · GenericTopical · ¥19/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1mg「久光」 · GenericTopical · ¥16.3/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ1「オーハラ」 1mg · GenericTopical · ¥16.3/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「QQ」 · GenericTopical · ¥23.7/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「VTRS」 · GenericTopical · ¥21.8/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「YP」 · GenericTopical · ¥23.7/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「サワイ」 · GenericTopical · ¥31.9/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「タカタ」 · GenericTopical · ¥27.4/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「テイコク」 · GenericTopical · ¥27.4/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「トーワ」 · GenericTopical · ¥27.4/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2mg「久光」 · GenericTopical · ¥23.7/sheet
ツロブテロールテープ2「オーハラ」 2mg · GenericTopical · ¥23.7/sheet
ツロブテロール塩酸塩DS小児用0.1%「タカタ」 · GenericOral · ¥6.9/g

Bringing it into Japan

Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.

How to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (article)

Getting it prescribed in Japan

Any clinic can prescribe it after a consultation. Bring the original packaging or a medication list. Use the hospital finder to find clinics with English-speaking staff or an international patient office.

Find a clinic by language

Names abroad

Korea호쿠날린
China妥洛特罗贴剂
Taiwan妥洛特羅

Sources

  1. Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
  2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp

This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.