Why antibiotics are prescription-only and how to obtain an appropriate assessment.
Antibiotic assessmentThe pharmacist can advise and triage, but prescription-only antibiotics require an appropriate prescription.
You can tell the doctor what previously helped, but the current illness must be assessed independently.
| Clinical question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 01Can the pharmacist choose an antibiotic for me? | The pharmacist can advise and triage, but prescription-only antibiotics require an appropriate prescription. |
| 02Can I request the same antibiotic I used before? | You can tell the doctor what previously helped, but the current illness must be assessed independently. |
Use the doctor consultation for a new problem, new symptoms, side effects or a dose change.
Use the repeat review only when the medicine and dose are unchanged and you can provide evidence.
The doctor checks whether the likely diagnosis, treatment history and safety information are clear enough for remote care. Examination, testing or a local referral is recommended whenever that is the safer next step.
You receive advice, follow-up timing and—only when clinically appropriate—an electronic prescription by email for dispensing at a pharmacy in Spain.