The Pharmacy First for Sore Throat service is a free community pharmacy service available from participating MediCare pharmacies across Northern Ireland.

It allows eligible patients to speak privately with a pharmacist about symptoms of a sore throat. Your pharmacist can provide expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, free treatment.

You do not need to see your GP first. Community pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can assess sore throat symptoms and recommend the most appropriate next steps. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, or if you need further medical care, your pharmacist will advise you where to go next.

The Pharmacy First for Sore Throat service is available for patients aged 5 years and over who are registered with a GP in Northern Ireland.

Sore throat symptoms may include:

  • Pain or discomfort when swallowing
  • A dry, scratchy, or irritated throat
  • Swollen glands in the neck
  • Red or swollen tonsils
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Headache
  • Bad breath
  • Cough, cold, or flu-like symptoms

Free treatments available through the service may include:

  • Paracetamol, which may help with pain, discomfort, or fever where suitable
  • Ibuprofen, which may help with pain, inflammation, or fever where suitable
  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin, an antibiotic treatment where a bacterial sore throat is diagnosed and treatment is appropriate
  • Clarithromycin, an alternative antibiotic treatment where appropriate
  • Erythromycin, an alternative antibiotic treatment where appropriate

The pharmacist will advise which option is most suitable for you based on your symptoms, medical history, current medicines, and whether antibiotic treatment is needed.

For a list of participating MediCare pharmacies and to book an appointment please click the button below.

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Do I need to see a doctor?

Not always. If you or your child are aged 5 years or over with symptoms of a sore throat, your local MediCare pharmacist can offer advice and, where suitable, free treatment without the need for a GP appointment.

If the pharmacist feels the Pharmacy First service is not suitable, they will explain this clearly and advise you where to go next.

Why visit your pharmacist first?

  • You can get quick, expert advice about sore throat symptoms.
  • Consultations are available in the pharmacy, often without an appointment.
  • The service is free for eligible patients.
  • Your pharmacist can supply free treatment where appropriate.
  • Your consultation will take place privately and confidentially.
  • Using the pharmacy first helps GP practices focus on patients with more complex medical needs.

What will the pharmacist ask?

The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history, and any medicines you are currently taking.

They may also ask about fever, coughing, swollen glands, tonsil symptoms, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and any previous reactions to antibiotics.

The pharmacist may carry out a test, usually a throat swab, to help assess whether the sore throat may be caused by a bacterial infection.
Not everyone will need a test.

This helps them decide whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you and which treatment is most appropriate.

Your consultation will take place in a private consultation room, so you can speak openly and confidentially.

What if treatment is not suitable?

If treatment through the Pharmacy First service is not suitable, the pharmacist will explain why and advise you on the most
appropriate next steps.

You may be referred to your GP, out-of-hours service, or another healthcare professional if your symptoms need further assessment.

You should seek medical advice urgently if you have difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing saliva, severe symptoms, symptoms that are getting worse quickly, signs of dehydration, a persistent high
temperature, or if you are very unwell.

What if my symptoms do not improve?

Sore throats are common and often get better within a week.
Many sore throats are caused by viral infections and do not need antibiotics.

The pharmacist will provide advice on self-care and what to do if your symptoms do not clear up or get worse.

If you are supplied an antibiotic, you should seek medical advice if your symptoms do not start to improve as expected, if they get worse at any time, or if you become very unwell.