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)
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.
If you meet the criteria:
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