In Australia, antibiotics need to be prescribed by a doctor. But in Queensland, there are some very specific uses (antibiotics for urinary tract infections), where a pharmacist may dispense antibiotics without a prescription.
Pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications including the contraceptive pill and antibiotics, scrapping the need for a GP visit, under major reforms to ease pressure on NSW's health system.
Only authorised health practitioners – such as doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurse practitioners and midwife practitioners – can prescribe medicines. To prescribe medicines, health practitioners must: have completed accredited prescribing education and training that is consistent with their scope of practice.
Can Online Doctors Prescribe Antibiotics? Yes, virtual GPs are now permitted to write antibiotics prescriptions safely and legally online. But before you receive your prescription, your virtual doctor will confirm that you really need antibiotics and review your medical history.
Other than a few topical over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments, there is no other legal way to obtain oral antibiotics. A primary care provider must prescribe your antibiotics for several reasons.
In Australia, antibiotics need to be prescribed by a doctor. But in Queensland, there are some very specific uses (antibiotics for urinary tract infections), where a pharmacist may dispense antibiotics without a prescription.
What antibiotics can a pharmacist prescribe? You can get antibiotics from your pharmacist for the following conditions: simple Urinary Tract Infection (Nitrofurantoin) Conjunctivitis (chloramphenicol)
Australia is the eighth highest user of antibiotics out of 28 European countries. In 2015, Australian doctors prescribed more than 30 million antibiotic scripts through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Doctors are prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection during surgery for longer periods than they should.
Can you buy antibiotics without a doctor prescription? Typically, you will need a doctor's prescription in order to get antibiotics. A doctor is able to assess you and determine if you have a bacterial infection. Your doctor will then prescribe you with the necessary antibiotics to treat your condition.
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) Benzoyl Peroxide (Polysporin)
Pharmacists can currently supply Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 medications, and can authorise emergency supplies of Schedule 4 medication in certain situations, but cannot prescribe Schedule 8 drugs such as oxycodone and morphine.
Legal restrictions on self-prescribing
In Australia, both federal and state legislation regulates self-prescribing and self-administering medications. The strongest prohibitions apply to Schedule 8 (S8) medications. Doctors are not permitted to self-prescribe these under the national PBS.
The prescription can be used to purchase medication from Australian pharmacies. Alternatively, if the item is not restricted in Australia a maximum of 3 months' supply can be imported from overseas.
Do I need a prescription for amoxicillin? Yes, patients need a prescription for amoxicillin. To reduce the likelihood of creating bacteria resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin is not available over the counter. In order to get an amoxicillin medication prescription, consult with a licensed medical provider.
Pharmacists will be able to prescribe antibiotics and other medications for these common healthcare issues under the new proposals, when cases are uncomplicated. Women will also be able to get oral contraceptive pills directly from pharmacies.
Women across NSW will be able to access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections from community pharmacists. From Monday 15 May 2023, the NSW Government's statewide community pharmacy prescribing trial gets underway.
If a doctor chooses not to prescribe antibiotics, it is because there is reason to believe that the condition is not caused by bacteria – or that the patient is able to ride out the disease on their own, without antibiotics.
You may not have a bacterial infection.
Antibiotics won't treat viral infections (like influenza, colds, and COVID-19), fungal infections (like vaginal yeast infections or thrush), or parasitic infections (like malaria). Other antimicrobials (antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) treat those infections.
As mentioned in this guide, you will need a prescription from a medical professional to get most antibiotics. While antibiotics are an effective treatment for most types of bacterial infections, you might not always need them.
We are aware of current shortages of some antibiotics in Australia, including: amoxicillin (these products are returning to supply and most brands are now available)
Most commonly dispensed antibiotics
Amoxycillin was the most used antibiotic from 2006 until 2017, with a peak of 307.7 prescriptions/1000 in 2008. Cefalexin was the most commonly used antibiotic in Australia in 2018, with 220.6 prescriptions/1000.
Penicillins continue to be the most commonly prescribed group of antibiotics in Australia (44% in 2014, compared with 46% in 1994). However, recent Australian data suggest their efficacy against some high-priority bacteria may be at risk.
However, did you know that pharmacists can also prescribe antibiotics? Nowadays, you won't be able to buy antibiotics without a prescription. And many people immediately assume that antibiotics prescription can only be written by doctors.
Pharmacies will be allowed to prescribe antibiotics and antivirals for common illnesses such as ear infections under plans to free up nearly 30,000 GP appointments a day.