Can You Get Amoxicillin Over the Counter UK?

Can You Get Amoxicillin Over the Counter UK?

When you’re unwell — perhaps with a chest infection, sore throat, or sinus pain — it’s natural to wonder whether you can get treatment directly from your local pharmacy. Many people ask, “Can you get amoxicillin over the counter UK?”

At Time Pharmacy, we understand how frustrating it can be to wait for a GP appointment when you’re feeling ill. However, antibiotics such as amoxicillin are regulated under strict NHS, MHRA, and government guidelines to ensure safe, effective, and responsible use.

In this article, we explain what these regulations mean, who can prescribe antibiotics, and what your safe options are if you think you may need them.

Can You Buy Antibiotics Without Seeing a Doctor?

In most cases, no you cannot buy antibiotics such as amoxicillin without a valid prescription.

Under UK law, antibiotics are Prescription-Only Medicines (POMs). This means they can only be supplied after a qualified healthcare professional — such as a GP, dentist, or pharmacist independent prescriber — has assessed your symptoms and determined that antibiotics are clinically appropriate.

This strict control protects public health by preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious issue where bacteria adapt and become harder to treat with existing medicines.

At Time Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists can advise you if your symptoms might require further medical attention, or if an alternative, non-prescription treatment would be suitable.

Pharmacy First: The New NHS Scheme

As part of the NHS Pharmacy First service (launched in England in January 2024), community pharmacists can now assess and treat several common conditions without you needing to visit a GP first.

Under this scheme, trained pharmacists can prescribe medicines, including certain antibiotics, for specific infections such as:

👉🏻 Ear infections

👉🏻 Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

👉🏻 Sinusitis

👉🏻 Sore throat (bacterial only)

👉🏻 Impetigo

👉🏻 Shingles

👉🏻 Infected insect bites

So, while you cannot get amoxicillin over the counter in the UK, you may still receive appropriate antibiotic treatment through the Pharmacy First service at your local participating pharmacy, such as Time Pharmacy if your condition meets NHS criteria.

Our pharmacists are fully trained to identify when antibiotic treatment is appropriate and when referral to a GP or another clinician is required.

When Can a Pharmacist Supply Amoxicillin?

Only pharmacists who are qualified as Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIPs) or who operate under Patient Group Directions (PGDs) can supply antibiotics such as amoxicillin.

A PIP has completed additional NHS-accredited training and is authorised to prescribe medicines independently.
A PGD allows a pharmacist to provide certain treatments to specific groups of patients for example, those with confirmed bacterial infections without needing an individual prescription.

At Time Pharmacy, any antibiotic supplied through these frameworks follows strict NHS clinical protocols, ensuring treatment is both appropriate and safe.

Why Is Amoxicillin Not Available Over the Counter?

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the UK, used for bacterial infections such as chest infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. However, it cannot be sold over the counter because:

1️⃣ Not all infections require antibiotics. Many illnesses, such as colds or flu, are viral and won’t respond to amoxicillin.

2️⃣ Incorrect use can be harmful. Taking the wrong dose or unnecessary antibiotics can lead to side effects and resistance.

3️⃣ Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue. Misuse contributes to bacteria becoming resistant, reducing the effectiveness of treatments in the future.

At Time Pharmacy, we take these regulations seriously. We will only recommend antibiotics when clinically appropriate — ensuring your treatment follows the latest NHS and MHRA safety guidance.

How to Get Amoxicillin Legally in the UK

If you suspect a bacterial infection, here are the proper steps to access treatment safely:

1️⃣ Visit your GP: They can assess whether antibiotics are necessary and prescribe accordingly.

2️⃣ Use the Pharmacy First service: Our pharmacists at Time Pharmacy can assess certain conditions and, if appropriate, issue antibiotics directly.

3️⃣ Call NHS 111: They can refer you to an out-of-hours GP or pharmacy offering treatment under the scheme.

4️⃣ Consult a regulated online or private GP: If prescribed privately, you can collect your medication from Time Pharmacy or any GPhC-registered pharmacy.

What Happens If You Use Leftover or Old Antibiotics?

You should never take leftover antibiotics or medicines prescribed for someone else. Doing so can:

1️⃣ Lead to incorrect treatment (different infections require different antibiotics).

2️⃣ Mask symptoms of more serious conditions.

3️⃣ Contribute to antibiotic resistance.

4️⃣ Please return any unused or expired antibiotics to Time Pharmacy, where we can dispose of them safely and in line with NHS environmental guidelines.

Final Thought

Amoxicillin remains one of the most effective antibiotics but also one of the most carefully controlled.
At Time Pharmacy, we’re committed to protecting both patient safety and public health by ensuring antibiotics are used responsibly and only when clinically necessary.

If you have concerns about infections or want advice about whether antibiotics are appropriate, speak to one of our friendly pharmacists today. We’ll guide you through your options safely — no unnecessary prescriptions, no risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I buy amoxicillin online in the UK?
Only through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy and after a qualified prescriber issues a valid prescription. Always check registration details before ordering.

2️⃣ Can NHS 111 prescribe antibiotics?
No, NHS 111 cannot prescribe new antibiotics. However, they can refer you to an approved pharmacy or out-of-hours GP under the Pharmacy First scheme.

3️⃣ How much does amoxicillin cost privately?
Private costs vary but typically range between £8 and £15 for a standard 7-day course, depending on dosage and formulation.

4️⃣ Why is antibiotic resistance a concern?
Because bacteria evolve over time. Overusing antibiotics means infections that were once easily cured may no longer respond — posing serious risks to public health.

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