Yes, in some regions like parts of Australia (NSW, QLD, WA) and England, trained pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics for specific, uncomplicated conditions, most commonly urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, under strict protocols, but it depends heavily on local laws and pharmacist training, requiring extra qualifications and following guidelines to ensure patient safety and appropriate antibiotic use.
Community pharmacists can now supply prescription medicines for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. This can include antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
Yes, in Australia, pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics for specific conditions, primarily uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in eligible women (18-65), and for conditions like impetigo, within defined state-based programs and pilots. This isn't nationwide yet, with Queensland, South Australia, and WA having implemented programs, while NSW, ACT, Victoria, and Tasmania have pilots running for UTIs and sometimes other minor ailments like skin conditions, but requires pharmacists to complete specific accredited training.
You can get antibiotics from your pharmacist for the following conditions: simple Urinary Tract Infection in women (16-64 years) (Nitrofurantoin) Conjunctivitis (chloramphenicol) Impetigo (fucidic acid)
Pharmacists can supply patients with prescription antibiotics following diagnostic consultation. The pharmacists providing this service are trained and qualified to do so.
You generally need a doctor's prescription for antibiotics from Chemist Warehouse in Australia, but in some locations like Queensland and New Zealand, pharmacists can supply specific antibiotics (like for UTIs) without a script for certain conditions, and you can also get e-scripts from online doctors for delivery through Chemist Warehouse. So, while direct over-the-counter purchase is rare, options exist for getting them with pharmacist consultation or an online script.
Pharmacists can prescribe for 7 common conditions in the UK's Pharmacy First service: ear infections, sore throats, sinusitis, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, with specific age restrictions applying to each condition. These services allow pharmacists to provide prescription medicine or clinical advice for acute issues, reducing GP visits.
What Is the Closest Thing to Antibiotics Over the Counter? Under federal law, all intramuscular, intravenous, and oral antibiotics require a prescription from a health care provider. That said, there are topical antibiotics available over-the-counter for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns: Bacitracin (Neosporin)
Use the 111 online emergency prescription service
If you get your medicine with a repeat prescription, you should usually allow 5 working days to request your prescription and get your medicine. When this is not possible and you've completely run out, you can use the 111 online emergency prescription service.
When do we need antibiotics? Antibiotics are for bacterial infections only. This includes infections such as bloodstream infections, skin abscess/impetigo, bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, streptococcal pharyngitis and some middle ear infections.
Yes. It is legal in Australia to speak with a telehealth doctor to get an online script. For most common health issues, you can request a prescription online without seeing a doctor in person. With Updoc, if you need a prescription, no appointment is necessary.
The "90/60 rule" in antibiotics is a guideline stating that infections from bacteria deemed susceptible in lab tests succeed about 90% of the time with appropriate treatment, while infections from bacteria classified as resistant still respond successfully in about 60% of cases, bridging the gap between lab results (in vitro) and real-world outcomes (in vivo) by acknowledging factors like the immune system, drug penetration, and patient conditions.
Yes, in certain regions like Australia (WA, SA, QLD, VIC, NSW, ACT), trained pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women (usually 18-65) after a consultation, without needing a doctor's prescription, but this depends on specific state programs and pharmacist training. They provide a one-off course for simple cases and refer complex ones to GPs, offering timely, convenient care as an alternative to clinics, especially after hours.
You need a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional for this medication. You can not buy it OTC. For some conditions, like an uncomplicated UTI, you can get a prescription for amoxicillin through an online health service. You can also use this type of service if you need a refill of amoxicillin.
Moving on to the differences, General Practitioners typically have a medical degree and participate in further specialised training. Whereas pharmacists typically have a degree in pharmacy and complete a residency programme.
You cannot use this service to get: antibiotics for a new or recent problem.
You generally can't get oral antibiotics without a prescription, but you can use telehealth services for online consultations with doctors or, in some regions (like Australia), get them from a pharmacist for specific, uncomplicated conditions like UTIs, following official guidelines. Telehealth platforms (like Midoc, PlushCare) allow virtual doctor visits for quick e-prescriptions, while community pharmacies in certain areas now offer pharmacist consultations for limited conditions, bypassing a GP visit.
Antibiotics start acting against bacteria from the moment you take them, but feeling better can take longer. According to NHS information, you should start to feel better within a few days of taking most antibiotics. For example: With clarithromycin (a macrolide), many people feel improvement within a few days.
3 Options for Expedited Antibiotic Prescriptions. You generally have three options for getting an antibiotic prescription quickly and efficiently: visit an urgent care center, schedule a telehealth appointment with your primary care provider, or use a virtual care platform.
Foods that kill infections are considered natural antibiotics. Some foods which help fight bacterial infections include garlic, onion, ginger, echinacea, cabbage, and honey. These foods have properties that harm or kill certain bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Some of the topical antibiotics are available over the counter. These antibiotics are creams that are spread onto the skin to treat minor wounds, scrapes, burns, and acne. Topical over-the-counter antibiotics include: Neosporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B)
Some possible natural antibiotic agents include:
Treatment from a pharmacist
Licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists cannot prescribe medication.
Inappropriate prescribing is associated with medication-related problems such as adverse drug events (ADEs), hospitalisation and healthcare resource utilisation. Traditionally, prescribing has been carried out by medical prescribers, but the role has since been extended to non-medical health professionals.