Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?

The role of the UK pharmacist is constantly evolving. Nowadays, you can ask your pharmacist about pretty much any health concern you have. They can assess your symptoms, provide expert advice, and even supply treatments for minor ailments, which reduces the need for immediate doctor appointments.

What can pharmacists prescribe treatments for?

Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments for a range of common health issues such as:

• Aches and pains.

• Coughs and colds.

• Ear infections.

• Sore throats.

• Stomach and digestive problems.

• Infant feeding and children's health - including head lice, threadworm, eczema and allergies.

• Women's health - including contraception, urinary tract infections (UTIs), thrush, period pain and irregular bleeding.

• Men's health - including erectile dysfunction (ED) and hair loss.

In some cases, pharmacists can also supply prescription-only medicines without you having to go to the doctor - a service known as the Pharmacy First scheme. This programme is designed to expand the range of services that a pharmacist can provide.

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?

Pharmacist and nutritional therapist Deborah Grayson, Practice With Confidence, Greater Manchester, UK says: "All pharmacists can now supply several prescription medicine treatments. This includes antibiotics for certain conditions under the Pharmacy First scheme."

This service is funded by the NHS, and medicines are provided free to people exempt from prescription charges. If you are not exempt, the usual prescription charge will be applied for each item.

What happens at a consultation?

To receive treatment for these conditions, you can visit the pharmacy in person or contact them remotely. All consultations will take place in the pharmacy's dedicated private consultation room.

Grayson explains that the pharmacist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and may examine you if appropriate. Next, they will check that no symptoms suggest a more serious issue.

Symptoms which may be a sign of something more serious include:

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Persistent pain.

• Breathlessness.

• Persistent cough.

• Signs that an infection may have progressed towards sepsis.

• Unusual bleeding.

• Vision problems.

• Lumps, swelling or skin changes.

"Some questions might seem unrelated to your issue, but this is part of assessing overall health and underlying causes for concern," says Grayson. "Your pharmacist may also access your summary care record - the patient record held by your doctor and the central NHS computer. They will also check for any possible interactions with prescribed medicines you may be taking."

What else can pharmacists help with?

Pharmacies are a great place to turn to for managing everyday ailments, such as coughs, colds, allergies, and pain. They can advise you on how best to manage your symptoms and how to use any treatments they recommend. If necessary, they will refer you to a doctor if you need more specialised attention.

"You can also get a flu vaccination at most pharmacies as part of the NHS-funded vaccination programme, and privately for those not entitled to a free vaccine," says Grayson.

You're eligible for a free flu vaccine if:

• You're 65 and over.

• You work in frontline health or social care.

• You're the main carer for an elderly or disabled person - or persons - and receive a carer's allowance.

• You have a long-term health condition.

• You're pregnant.

• You live with someone whose immune system is weakened.

Grayson says that for certain private services, there will be a consultation fee, plus the additional cost of any medicine provided. Contact your local pharmacy to learn about their service details and costs.

How do pharmacists make sure the medicines they prescribe are safe?

A pharmacist will always check the safety of medicines they prescribe alongside your regular prescription medicine. This is done by accessing your patient record to check which treatments you're already on - along with your medical history.

"You may be asked to return to the pharmacy to update on your progress, or given information on when to seek the advice of your doctor, or visit A&E," says Grayson. "This is if your condition doesn’t improve, or worsens."

Pharmacists can also provide up to three appointments, usually by telephone, to help you understand and use a new medicine for a long-term condition safely.

The NHS's Find a Pharmacy tool can help you find a pharmacy in your area. This will give you the pharmacy's name, address, opening hours, the services it offers, and whether it offers private consultation rooms.

Your pharmacist is there to help you take your medicines safely and effectively. If you have any questions about your prescription - including over-the-counter medicines - do not hesitate to ask them.