Pharmacy First: Earache (Acute Otitis Media)

What Is Earache (Acute Otitis Media)?

Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes ear pain, pressure and sometimes a mild fever. It's especially common in children and often follows a cold. Under the free NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess your child's symptoms and offer treatment without needing a GP appointment.

Am I Eligible?

This pathway is available for patients aged 1 to 17 years. Our pharmacist will check symptoms against the NHS clinical criteria at the start of the consultation to confirm suitability for the service.

What Happens at the Consultation?

Our pharmacist will ask about the symptoms, how long they've lasted, and check for anything that needs referring to a GP. Most consultations take around 15 minutes and can be done on a walk-in basis or by appointment.

What Treatment Might Be Offered?

Depending on symptoms, our pharmacist may recommend pain relief and self-care advice, or — where clinically appropriate — a short course of antibiotics issued directly under the Pharmacy First patient group direction, without needing a separate GP prescription.

When Should We See a GP Instead?

If symptoms are severe, there's a high fever, discharge from the ear, or symptoms don't improve or keep returning, our pharmacist will refer on to a GP or another appropriate service.

Frequently Asked Questions