NHS Pharmacy First · Earache
Earache in children: see a pharmacist today.
Pharmacy First covers middle ear infections in children and young people aged 1 to 17. Our pharmacist can look in the ear, tell you what’s going on, and treat it on the NHS if it needs it.
- Age 1 to 17
- Free consultation
- About 15 minutes
- Walk in, or book
Can I use Pharmacy First for earache?
Yes, if
- Aged 1 to 17
- The earache started recently
Not covered
- Babies under 1
- Adults (18 and over): our pharmacist can still advise you, but treatment is through your GP or NHS 111
- Children who have had a lot of ear infections recently
- A weakened immune system
Not covered? Come in anyway if you’d like advice. Our pharmacist will help where they can, and tell you who to see if they can’t.
Symptoms
- pain inside the ear
- a high temperature
- pulling, tugging or rubbing at the ear (in younger children)
- being irritable, restless or off their food
- not hearing as well as usual
- fluid coming out of the ear
What happens when you come in
Walk in, or book a time
Ask at the counter for Pharmacy First. You don’t need to see your GP first.
A private chat with the pharmacist
The pharmacist looks inside the ear with an otoscope, a small torch with a magnifying lens. It’s quick and doesn’t hurt. They’ll ask how long it’s been going on and how your child is otherwise.
Advice, and treatment if you need it
The pharmacist explains what they think is going on and what will help. Any medicine they give you is supplied on the NHS.
We let your GP know
A short note goes to your GP surgery, so your record is up to date. If you need to see a doctor, we’ll tell you.
What treatment might I get?
Most ear infections get better on their own within 3 days. Pain relief is usually all that’s needed.
Some children are offered ear drops to ease the pain.
Antibiotics are only offered when they’re likely to help, for example if your child is very unwell or there’s fluid coming from the ear.
Looking after yourself
- Give paracetamol or ibuprofen for the pain (check the dose on the pack for their age)
- Hold a warm or cold flannel against the ear
- Don’t put anything inside the ear, such as cotton buds or oil
- Keep water out of the ear while it’s sore
What it costs
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist gives you a medicine, you pay the usual NHS prescription charge for it, unless you get free prescriptions (for example if you’re under 16, 60 or over, pregnant, or get certain benefits). Check if you get free prescriptions.
Questions people ask
I’m an adult with earache. Can you help?
Pharmacy First only treats ear infections in children and young people aged 1 to 17. Our pharmacist can still advise you and suggest something for the pain; for treatment, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Does the ear examination hurt?
No. The otoscope rests just inside the opening of the ear for a few seconds while the pharmacist looks.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in any time we’re open and ask for Pharmacy First. If you’d rather not wait, book a time online. GP surgeries and NHS 111 can also send you to us.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes with the pharmacist. If they’re with someone else, you may have a short wait.
Will my GP know?
Yes. We send a short note to your GP surgery afterwards, so your medical record stays up to date.
Is it private?
Yes. You’ll be seen in our private consultation room.
What should I bring?
A list of any medicines you take, including ones you buy yourself. Children under 16 should come with a parent or guardian.
Ready to be seen?
Walk in any time we’re open: Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 10:30pm. Sunday, 12 noon to 10:30pm. Or book a time and skip the wait.