Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in England? What can Pharmacy First treat in 2026
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics? Learn what Pharmacy First treats, from UTIs and sore throats to earache and sinusitis.
Yes, some participating pharmacists can supply antibiotics in certain circumstances, and pharmacists who are qualified as independent prescribers can actually prescribe antibiotics within their clinical competence. Pharmacy First is an NHS service in England that allows participating community pharmacies to assess and treat seven common health conditions without patients needing to go and see their GP. Where appropriate, the pharmacist can offer direct access to prescription-only medicine, including antibiotics. This service covers the treatment of infected insect bites, sinusitis, sore throats, shingles, impetigo, earaches, and uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women.
What conditions can Pharmacy First treat?
| Pharmacy First condition | Who can use the pathway? | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Earache | Ages 1 to 17 | Ear pain, irritability, trouble sleeping, or changes in hearing |
| Impetigo | Age 1+ | Red sores, blisters, or honey-coloured crusts, often around the nose or mouth |
| Infected insect bite | Age 1+ | Increasing redness, heat, swelling, pain, or discharge around a bite |
| Shingles | Age 18+ | Tingling, burning pain, or a blistering rash, usually on 1 side of the body |
| Sinusitis | Age 12+ | Blocked nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, or discoloured mucus |
| Sore throat | Age 5+ | Pain when swallowing, a red throat, fever, or swollen glands |
| Uncomplicated UTI | Women aged 16 to 64 | Burning when peeing, needing to pee more often, or lower tummy discomfort |
Can a pharmacist treat a UTI, ear infection, or tonsillitis in England?
Yes, but the level of care they can offer patients differs depending on their qualifications. Pharmacists who have completed independent prescribing training are legally allowed to provide prescription-only medication, including antibiotics, while other pharmacists may be able to offer a range of prescription only treatments through Pharmacy First, as long as the pharmacy is a part of this initiative, and you meet all the relevant clinical criteria.
For UTI treatment through Pharmacy First, you must be a woman aged between 16 and 64 and be suffering from uncomplicated symptoms. Your pharmacist will ask you a range of questions, including how long you have had UTI symptoms, the severity of symptom impact, how often you have had a UTI previously, and whether there are any signs that you may need a higher level of clinical oversight before a prescription is issued. If you are deemed to be a suitable candidate for Pharmacy First treatment, the pharmacist will be able to supply appropriate prescription-only medication, including antibiotics. You can find a pharmacy in your town and check its opening hours before you visit.
When it comes to ear infections, the Pharmacy First pathway is only available to children between the ages of 1 to 17. Again, the pharmacist will assess your current symptoms and clinical needs before potentially offering access to prescription only meds.
While tonsillitis is not specifically listed as one of the seven conditions covered by Pharmacy First, it is included under the sore throat pathway. Treatment for a sore throat (or tonsillitis) is available to all patients aged 5 and over through Pharmacy First.
Can a pharmacist help with a chest infection?
Yes, your local pharmacist may be the best first port of call if you think you may be suffering from a chest infection. They will talk through all of your current symptoms, walk you through the appropriate over-the-counter treatments, and help you decide on whether further clinical oversight may be needed.
That said, pharmacists cannot provide antibiotics or other prescription only medications for chest infections, as this is not one of the seven defined Pharmacy First pathways in England. If you are really struggling with your current chest infection symptoms, it may be best to head directly to your GP. If you have any signs of blood in your saliva when coughing, heavy chest pain, or you feel that the symptoms are getting increasingly worse, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How can I find a Pharmacy First chemist near me?
Browse all UK pharmacies by county and town with our pharmacy directory. All you have to do is enter the name of your town or city, or your postcode, and the tool will show you all of the closest options for you.
This will include pharmacies that are not registered on the Pharmacy First scheme, so it is best to click on the individual pharmacy listing or call ahead before setting off, particularly if you want support for one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions.
That said, over 95% of chemists throughout England are part of Pharmacy First, so chances are your closest option will be able to help.
Pharmacy First FAQs
- Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
No, not usually. Just walk into any participating pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. No referral is required. You may need to wait a little while if the pharmacy is busy, but you can expect to be seen quickly.
- Can a pharmacist give me antibiotics without a GP appointment?
Yes, certain pharmacists with the required qualifications can offer prescription only medicines, including antibiotics, for seven common health conditions, including sore throats, ear infections, UTIs and infected insect bites.
- Does Pharmacy First treat chest infections?
No, chest infections do not make up one of the seven conditions treated through Pharmacy First. They can still help you with non-prescription treatment options, but you may need to seek further care through your GP.
- Do I have to pay for Pharmacy First?
No, Pharmacy first is a totally free service. If you are provided with a prescription through Pharmacy First, normal NHS prescription-charge rules apply. That means you will pay the usual charge in England if you normally pay for NHS prescriptions.
