Many Community Pharmacies are now able to give antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infections on the NHS.

The service is available to people who are:

  • Female
  • Aged 16-64
  • Currently having symptoms suggestive of a possible urinary tract infection (e.g. pain on passing urine, urinating more frequently than usual, having to rush to go and urinate, blood in the urine, or lower abdominal pain)

If you meet the criteria:

Call/Attend one of the Community Pharmacies listed below to discuss whether antibiotics are needed

This service is likely to be quicker and more convenient than waiting to talk to a GP or Nurse Practitioner at the practice. If you are eligible for free prescriptions, you will not need to pay for any antibiotics offered and if you do pay, the cost will be the same as charged for a prescription from a GP.

This service is not suitable if you have any of the following;  (please book a GP or Nurse Practitioner appointment at the practice if any of the following apply)

  • New back or loin pain
  • Are male
  • A history of allergy to nitrofurantoin
  • Have a fever (or chills, nausea, vomiting, new headache or shaking)
  • Have had a recurrent urinary tract infection treated with antibiotics within the previous 4 weeks
  • Are catheterised
  • Have renal impairment
  • Are confused
  • Are pregnant or breast feeding
  • Have a history of kidney stones
  • Have porphyria or G6PD deficiency

Local Pharmacies offering the service

The full and up-to-date list of pharmacies can be found here. Below are the Durham pharmacies offering the service at the time of writing:

Boots Market Square

Telephone: 0191 384 2213

Address: 2/5 Market Place,  Co Durham, DH1 3NB

Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30pm. Sunday 11am-5pm

Belmont Pharmacy

Telephone: 0191 384 7708

Address: 6 Blue House Buildings, High Street, Belmont, Durham, DH1 1AR

Open: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (closing 1-2pm for lunch)

Whitfield Chemist

Telephone: 0191 384 2172

Address: 34 Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, Co Durham, DH1 2LG

Open: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9-11:30am

Leak Chemists

Telephone: 0191 386 2193

Address: 29 Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, DH1 5EE

Open: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9am-1pm