Prescribing of Medicines for Minor Conditions and Self-Limiting Illnesses

In line with guidance from the NI Department of Health, this GP practice encourages patients to understand that there are medications that can be purchased over-the-counter by patients when they are being used to treat minor conditions or self-limiting illnesses.  We also monitor medications where there is no evidence base for their use.

Please click below to see a list of conditions and examples of medicines that are readily available and should be bought OTC.

Prescribing of Medicines for Minor Conditions and Self-limiting Illnesses

 Hay fever

The practice does not routinely prescribe medicines for Hay fever.

HayFever Poster HayFever Poster Medications

Painkillers

The practice does not routinely prescribe painkillers for minor conditions or self-limiting illnesses.

When required for short-term minor illnesses, it is better for the Health Service if you buy painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen without a prescription.

Over-the-counter paracetamol and ibuprofen can be purchased at relatively low cost from community pharmacies or other retail outlets such as supermarkets and discount stores.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Prescription Cost Information Poster