HSE Common Conditions Service
Can a pharmacist treat a UTI in Ireland?
Yes — since the Common Conditions Service launched in 2026, a pharmacist in Ireland can assess and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment for an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) without you needing to see a GP. over 1,600 pharmacies across Ireland offer the service.
Can a pharmacist treat this?
A pharmacist will assess whether the Common Conditions Service is appropriate for you. The service criteria include:
- Aged 16 up to and including 64
- Sex assigned at birth female
- Not pregnant
- No fever or chills in the past 48 hours
- Symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated lower UTI
What does it cost?
A consultation fee applies to everyone using the Common Conditions Service, including medical card holders. The fee is set by each pharmacy, so it varies — ask when you call. Any medicine the pharmacist prescribes is covered by your existing entitlements in the normal way, under the GMS (medical card) or Drugs Payment Scheme.
Symptoms a pharmacist will ask about
- Pain, burning or stinging when you urinate
- Needing to urinate more often than usual, including at night
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Blood in your urine (see the urgent-help section — this means you'll be referred)
- Whether you have any new or changed vaginal discharge
If you have all three of burning, frequency and urgency, a pharmacist may consider treatment. If you have only one or two, the protocol advises a 48-hour wait-and-see approach with self-care first, and you'd be asked to come back if it hasn't settled.
When you'll be sent to a GP instead
- Men
- Anyone under 16 or aged 65 and over
- Anyone who can see blood in their urine
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
- Known diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- A weakened immune system, from a condition or a treatment
- Known chronic kidney disease, renal insufficiency, or dialysis
- Using a urinary catheter
- Known urinary tract structural abnormalities
- Recurrent UTIs — one in the past 6 months, or two in the past 12
- Known resistance to a previous UTI treatment, or already taking preventive antibiotics
- Living in a nursing home or residential care facility
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, suspected STI, or suspected menopause-related symptoms
- Symptoms that don't improve, or get worse, during treatment
Get urgent help now
- Confusion, drowsiness or slurred speech
- Been unable to pass urine all day
- Severe symptoms getting worse quickly
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin changes — pain, redness, swelling, rash, discharge, mottling or blistering
- Blood clots in your urine not explained by your period
- Pain in your side or back, a temperature of 38°C or above, shivering, or vomiting
These can be signs of a more serious infection. Contact your GP urgently, go to an emergency department, or call 112 or 999.
Pharmacies near you, open now
Most Irish pharmacies offer the Common Conditions Service.
Phone ahead to confirm before travelling.
View the HSE pharmacy listPharmacies near you, open now
- Aileen Good Life PharmacyOpen
Unit 13, Supervalu Shopping Centre, Sundrive Rd, Kimmage, Dublin 12, D12 V320, Ireland
(01) 492 9731
- Allcare Cara PharmacyOpen
Unit 7, The Glebe, Glebe, Donegal, Ireland
(074) 972 1112
- Allcare Late Night Pharmacy DouglasOpen
Clermont, Douglas Rd, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 TV26, Ireland
(021) 429 2329
- Allcare PharmacyOpen
38 Tonlegee Rd, Donaghmede, Dublin 5, D05 K3V7, Ireland
(01) 867 8080
- Allcare PharmacyOpen
Malahide Rd, Dublin Northside, Dublin, Ireland
(01) 831 9155
- Allcare PharmacyOpen
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin, D15 VY27, Ireland
(01) 820 0088
Looking after yourself
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you, can relieve the pain — and for mild cystitis, pain relief alone may be enough
- A hot water bottle can help
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid sex while you have symptoms — it can make them worse
- Wipe from front to back, and empty your bladder fully and after sex
- Wash with plain warm water or an emollient product; avoid perfumed bubble bath, bath bombs, soaps, talc and wipes around the genital area
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight trousers
- Cranberry products: evidence is limited, though some people find them helpful
- Probiotics: evidence for preventing recurrent UTIs is currently inconclusive
- If symptoms haven't improved within 48 hours of starting treatment, see a GP