Sinusitis Treatment (Pharmacy First)
Adults and children 12+ can get a free NHS sinusitis assessment at participating pharmacies in England, including prescription treatment where appropriate.
Under NHS Pharmacy First, anyone aged 12 and over with sinusitis — facial pain or pressure, a blocked nose, and thick nasal discharge, often after a cold — can be assessed free at participating pharmacies across England, with no GP appointment needed. Sinusitis is usually viral and clears within two to three weeks, so the pharmacist will first advise on what actually speeds recovery: salt-water nasal rinses, paracetamol or ibuprofen, and steam inhalation, plus decongestant or steroid nasal sprays where suitable. Where symptoms have persisted beyond about ten days without improving — or are severe — the clinical pathway lets the pharmacist supply certain prescription-only medicines, such as antibiotics, without you seeing a GP first. The consultation is free; in England the standard prescription charge of £9.90 applies to any supplied medicine unless you're exempt. See a GP if sinusitis keeps recurring or follows dental problems, and get urgent help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, or a severe frontal headache. Find participating pharmacies via /pharmacies/locations/; our Pharmacy First hub covers the whole scheme.
Typical cost
Free on the NHS
0 pharmacies offering pharmacy first sinusitis
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pharmacist give antibiotics for sinusitis?▼
Yes, under Pharmacy First in England — but only where the pathway criteria are met, typically when symptoms have lasted more than about ten days without improvement or are severe. Most sinusitis is viral and settles with self-care, so antibiotics are the exception rather than the rule.
What helps sinusitis besides antibiotics?▼
Salt-water nasal rinses, plenty of fluids, steam inhalation, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. Decongestant sprays can relieve blockage short-term (no more than a week, or rebound congestion sets in), and steroid nasal sprays can help persistent inflammation — the pharmacist will advise what's suitable for you.
Who can use the Pharmacy First sinusitis service?▼
Anyone aged 12 and over at participating pharmacies in England. Under-12s should see a GP. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland run their own pharmacy minor ailment schemes with different arrangements.
When should I see a GP about sinusitis instead?▼
If episodes keep coming back, symptoms only ever affect one side, you have ongoing dental pain (dental infections can trigger sinusitis), or treatment hasn't worked. Get urgent same-day help for swelling or redness around an eye, double vision or other vision changes, or a severe frontal headache — these can indicate complications.
Is the Pharmacy First sinusitis consultation free?▼
Yes — the assessment is free on the NHS. If a medicine is supplied in England, the standard £9.90 prescription charge applies unless you're exempt; the devolved nations' own schemes make prescriptions free.