UTI treatment at pharmacies – information for the community

People who are eligible can access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) from some NSW pharmacies. Pharmacies must have suitable facilities and pharmacists on duty who have completed UTI-specific training.

Who is eligible for treatment?

Specific eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care.

For antibiotic treatment of UTIs, you must be:

female,
aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive), and
displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, such as burning or stinging pain when you urinate, and frequent need to urinate.

The pharmacist will ask you additional questions during the consult to check if they can provide you with treatment. If you receive treatment at the pharmacy, your pharmacist will notify your doctor.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria to receive the service by a pharmacist, your pharmacist will refer you to appropriate alternative care, such as your GP.

For information on UTIs, including symptoms, read the healthdirect factsheet on urinary tract infections.

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Finding a pharmacy

Pharmacies who provide this service are responsible for maintaining up-to-date service listings via the National Health Services Directory. As it may take a while for all pharmacies to upload their information to the Directory, you may also wish to enquire directly with your local pharmacy about whether they are providing this service.

Before you go:

check the pharmacy's opening hours,
ask if you need to book a consultation, and
ask about the cost of a consultation and medicine

More information

If you, or someone in your family needs support in your language, tell the pharmacist you need an interpreter. You can also contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National on 131 450. This service is free and confidential.