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Pharmacy Consultation in Ireland

Get treatment for common conditions at your local pharmacy — no GP appointment needed. The HSE Common Conditions Service lets pharmacists prescribe medication for UTIs, cold sores, shingles, and more. Book online in minutes.

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1,790+
Pharmacies
8
Conditions Treated
€35
Typical consultation fee
15 min
Average Consultation

What is a Pharmacy Consultation?

A pharmacy consultation through the HSE Common Conditions Service (CCS) allows you to see a qualified pharmacist for assessment and treatment of certain common conditions — without needing to visit your GP first.

Launched in November 2023, the CCS was designed to give patients faster access to healthcare while reducing pressure on GP surgeries. Instead of waiting days or weeks for a GP appointment, you can walk into a participating pharmacy (or book online) and get treatment the same day.

The pharmacist will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and if appropriate, prescribe and dispense medication on the spot. It's convenient, quick, and for many patients, completely free.

Conditions Pharmacists Can Treat

The HSE Common Conditions Service covers 8 conditions. Click on any condition to learn more and check your eligibility:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 17-64. Symptoms include burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy urine.

Eligibility: Women aged 17-64 with no complicating factors

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)

Recurrent cold sores on or around the lips. The pharmacist can provide antiviral treatment to speed healing and reduce severity.

Eligibility: Adults with recurrent cold sores

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Painful, blistering rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Early treatment is important.

Eligibility: Adults aged 50 and over

Conjunctivitis (Eye Infection)

Bacterial eye infection causing redness, discharge, and irritation. Antibiotic eye drops can be prescribed.

Eligibility: Adults and children over 2 years

Impetigo (Skin Infection)

Bacterial skin infection common in children, causing red sores that rupture and form crusts.

Eligibility: Adults and children

Hay Fever & Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal or year-round allergies causing sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Prescription antihistamines and nasal sprays available.

Eligibility: Adults and adolescents

Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)

Fungal infection in the mouth causing white patches, soreness, and difficulty eating.

Eligibility: Adults

Bacterial Vaginosis

Common vaginal infection causing discharge and odour. Antibiotic treatment available.

Eligibility: Women with recurrent symptoms

Important: If your symptoms are severe, you're pregnant, have diabetes, or have certain other conditions, the pharmacist may refer you to a GP instead. This is for your safety — the CCS has specific clinical criteria for each condition.

How to Book a Pharmacy Consultation

Getting treatment through the Common Conditions Service is straightforward. Here's what to expect:

1

Find a Participating Pharmacy

Use our search to find CCS pharmacies near you. You can filter by location, opening hours, and services offered. Most pharmacies in Ireland now participate in the scheme.

2

Book Online or Walk In

Book an appointment online for a specific time, or simply walk into the pharmacy. Booking ahead means less waiting, but walk-ins are welcome at most pharmacies.

3

Complete a Short Health Questionnaire

Before your consultation, you'll answer some questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you're taking. This helps the pharmacist prepare.

4

See the Pharmacist

Your consultation takes about 10-15 minutes. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms, ask follow-up questions, and determine the best treatment approach.

5

Receive Treatment

If CCS treatment is appropriate, the pharmacist will prescribe and dispense your medication immediately. You leave with everything you need — no separate prescription to fill.

How Much Does a Pharmacy Consultation Cost?

Consultation fee

€35

Typical fee, set by each pharmacy and shown when you book — paid in store at the time of the appointment. Medical Card holders pay the same consultation fee.

Medication

Varies

Any prescribed medication is charged separately. Medical Card and DPS holders may pay reduced medication costs.

Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS): If you're on the DPS, your monthly medication costs are capped at €80. The consultation fee is separate. Check with your pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral for a pharmacy consultation?
No. The whole point of the Common Conditions Service is that you can go directly to a participating pharmacy without seeing your GP first. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine if CCS treatment is appropriate.
What if the pharmacist can't treat my condition?
If your symptoms don't fit the CCS criteria, or if the pharmacist identifies any red flags, they will refer you to your GP or A&E as appropriate. You won't be charged for the consultation in this case.
Can children use the Common Conditions Service?
Some conditions can be treated in children (such as conjunctivitis and impetigo), but age limits vary by condition. UTI treatment, for example, is only available for women aged 17-64.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your medical card if you have one, a list of any medications you're currently taking, and your PPS number. If you've booked online, you may have already provided this information.
How long does a pharmacy consultation take?
Most consultations take about 10-15 minutes. If you've completed the online questionnaire beforehand, it may be quicker.
Can I get antibiotics from a pharmacist?
Yes, for certain conditions. Under CCS, pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics for UTIs, conjunctivitis, impetigo, and bacterial vaginosis when clinically appropriate.
Is my consultation confidential?
Absolutely. Pharmacists are bound by the same confidentiality rules as doctors. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room for CCS appointments.
Can I use any pharmacy for CCS?
Most pharmacies in Ireland participate in the CCS scheme, but not all. Use our search tool to find confirmed CCS pharmacies near you.

Why Book Through PharmacyConsultation.ie?

Book Appointments Online

Skip the queue. Book a specific time slot that suits you and complete your health questionnaire in advance.

Find Pharmacies Easily

Search by location, see opening hours, check which conditions each pharmacy treats, and read reviews.

Pre-Screening Included

Our eligibility checker helps you understand if CCS is right for your symptoms before you travel to the pharmacy.

Family Health Profiles

Create profiles for family members. Book appointments and manage health information for everyone in one place.

Ready to Book Your Consultation?

Find a participating pharmacy near you and book your appointment in just a few minutes. No GP referral needed.

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