Pharmacist treatment of UTIs – frequently asked questions

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What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system is made up of two kidneys and two tubes called ureters, which join the kidneys to the bladder. From the bladder another tube, the urethra, carries the urine (wee) to outside the body.

Infection most commonly occurs in the bladder (cystitis) but can also occur in the urethra (urethritis), the kidneys (pyelonephritis), or a combination of these.

Infections in the kidneys require evaluation by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Visit healthdirect for more information on UTIs .

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What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

Visit healthdirect for more information on UTIs .

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What is the difference between an uncomplicated and a complicated UTI?

A UTI is usually an uncomplicated UTI when you:

  • are otherwise healthy
  • are not pregnant
  • have no abnormalities or obstructions in your urinary tract
  • have an infection in the lower section of their urinary tract (bladder and urethra) indicated by symptoms including:
    • burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate
    • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

You are more likely to be at risk of a complicated UTI if you:

  • are male*
  • have had a UTI more than once, for example, if you have had two or more UTIs within 6 months or three or more UTIs within 12 months
  • have received treatment for a UTI in the past 2 weeks and your symptoms have returned
  • are pregnant or have recently given birth
  • are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant medicines
  • have diabetes, renal (kidney) disease or impaired renal (kidney) function
  • have blood in your urine (wee)
  • have a history of a blood disorder
  • have had a previous kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  • have a spinal cord injury
  • have a urinary tract abnormality, have had previous surgery or stents on the urinary tract or a history of obstruction
  • have a catheter, or have recently had a catheter (last 48 hours)
  • have an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • are a resident of a residential aged care facility (RACF) 
  • have had medical or surgical gender affirming care that impacts urinary tract function 
  • are displaying symptoms of a more serious infection or an infection that has moved into the upper urinary tract. These symptoms may include:
    • a fever or chills
    • rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
    • rapid heart rate
    • chest pain
    • headaches, nausea or vomiting
    • confusion.

Pharmacists can only provide advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. If you are displaying any symptoms of a serious infection, your pharmacist will refer you to your doctor (GP) or an emergency department.

*The term ‘male’ is used to include all people presumed male at birth.

What happens if I am not eligible to receive care at my local pharmacy?

Your pharmacist may need to refer you to your doctor (GP) or another health care professional to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time. In an emergency, the pharmacist may also refer you to the Emergency Department.

My local pharmacy is not able to supply antibiotics for UTIs - why?

Pharmacies can choose to provide this service. If they choose to provide the service, they must also meet requirements including completion of additional training, and providing an appropriate private consultation area. Not all pharmacists will choose to provide advice or treatment.

Any pharmacist can still advise on non-presciption initial management options and pain relief options for UTIs. 

A lot of people can get better from a UTI without needing to take medicine. This may be the best option for you. Your pharmacist will discuss this with you during your consultation. 

How much will it cost to have a consultation for a UTI from my pharmacist? ​

Pharmacists can charge a consultation fee for providing this service – this is at the discretion of the pharmacy. In many cases, having taken the time to discuss options with you, no medicine may be prescribed or issued. This is in line with current best practice for managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections. 

When a prescription medicine is needed, the cost will be the same as a private prescription, with the price determined by the pharmacy and paid for by the patient. 

Check with your pharmacist about the cost of consultation and medicines before you agree to receive the service. 

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Are pharmacists qualified to prescribe medication? Do they have appropriate training to help me?

Pharmacists must complete additional UTI management training to provide this service.

Participating pharmacists are provided with clear practice standards that instruct them on who is eligible to receive treatment and who must be referred to their doctor (GP) or an Emergency Department.

The standards have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and are based on international best practice. They have been tested through the NSW Pharmacy Trial for pharmacists managing uncomplicated UTIs, which ran from 15 May 2023 to 31 May 2024.

The University of Newcastle is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of UTI trial data, and will produce a final report for the NSW Ministry of Health in 2025. This information will be used to inform future service delivery models.

The NSW Pharmacy trial continues with resupply of oral contraceptive pills and will soon introduce treatment of minor skin conditions. Refer to NSW Pharmacy Trial for more information.

How do I report a concern about my safety or care relating to this trial?

If you have any concerns or complaints regarding pharmacist supply of UTI medicines or concerns about the appropriateness of consultation areas please see the making a complaint​ page.

Concerns about professional practice and care can also be made to the Health Care Complaints Commission or the Pharmacy Council of NSW.

What personal information will I have to provide? How will this be used and kept safe?

To receive treatment from the pharmacist you will need to provide your name, date of birth, contact details and doctor (GP) name, if you have one.

You will also need to give your consent to receive treatment, if deemed appropriate, and consent for the pharmacist to share your consultation details with your GP.

Any information you provide in your consultation must be stored by the pharmacist using secure digital software, for a period of seven (7) years.

Current as at: Friday 27 June 2025
Contact page owner: Pharmaceutical Services