Over The Counter
Many excellent and important medicines are available Over The Counter (OTC) at pharmacies. They do not not need to be prescribed by a Doctor and indeed you can save yourself a lot of money as many are cheaper than the Prescription Charge. Pharmacists are highly trained in giving sensible advice about self-help for minor illness, please ask them.
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns.
Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.
The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice
to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll
ensure you get the care you need.
Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly
This applies to treatments for these conditions:
Acute sore throat | Minor burns and scalds | Conjunctivitis |
Mild cystitis | Coughs, colds and nasal congestion | Mild dry skin |
Cradle cap | Mild irritant dermatitis | Dandruff |
Mild to moderate hay fever | Diarrhoea (adults) | Dry eyes / sore tired eyes |
Mouth ulcers | Earwax | Nappy rash |
Excessive sweating | Infant colic | Sunburn |
Infrequent cold sores of the lip | Sun protection | Infrequent constipation |
Teething / mild toothache | Infrequent migraine | Threadworms |
Insect bites and stings | Travel sickness | Mild acne |
Warts and verrucae | Hemorrhoids | Oral thrush |
Head lice | Prevention of tooth decay | Indigestion and heartburn |
Ringworm / athletes foot | Minor pain, discomfort and fever (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain) |