The Pharmacy First for Urinary Tract Infection service is a free community pharmacy service available from participating MediCare pharmacies across Northern Ireland. For a list of participating MediCare pharmacies and to book an appointment please click the button below.

It allows eligible women to speak privately with a pharmacist about symptoms of a urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI. 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 symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI 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 Urinary Tract Infection service is available for women aged 16 to 64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI.

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • A burning or stinging feeling when passing urine
  • Needing to pass urine more often than usual
  • Needing to pass urine urgently
  • Pain or discomfort in the lower tummy
  • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
  • Blood in the urine

Free treatments available through the service may include:

  • Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTI where appropriate
  • Trimethoprim, an alternative antibiotic treatment where appropriate
  • Ibuprofen, which may help with pain, discomfort, or fever where suitable
  • Paracetamol, which may help with pain, discomfort, or fever where suitable

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.

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Do I need to see a doctor?

Not always. If you are female and aged between 16 and 64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI, 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 UTI 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 whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, whether you have had repeated UTIs, whether you have kidney problems, and whether you have any symptoms that may need further medical assessment.

A urine sample may be needed as part of the consultation. If you contact the pharmacy before attending, the pharmacist may ask you to bring a urine sample with you.

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 UTI 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 feel very unwell, have a high temperature, have pain in your back or side, are pregnant, or if your symptoms worsen rapidly.

What if my symptoms do not improve?

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 within 48 hours, if they get worse at any time, or if you become systemically unwell.