Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Our pharmacists can help manage uncomplicated urinary tract infections and provide antibiotics for certain patients.

Who is eligible for treatment?

Specific eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care.

To access treatment you must be:

• • female*,
  • aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive), and
  • displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, such as burning or stinging pain when you urinate, and frequent need to urinate.

The pharmacist will as​k you additional questions during the consult to check if they can provide you with treatment. If you receive care at the pharmacy, your pharmacist will notify your doctor.

Current Therapeutic Guidelines suggest that uncomplicated UTIs (in adult females* younger than 65) can often can be successfully managed without antibiotics, with symptoms resolving within one week. Your pharmacist should discuss this option with you during the consultation. ​

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria to receive the service by a pharmacist, your pharmacist will refer you to appropriate alternative care, such as your GP.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system is made up of two kidneys and two tubes called ureters, which join the kidneys to the bladder. From the bladder another tube, the urethra, carries the urine (wee) to outside the body.

Infection most commonly occurs in the bladder (cystitis) but can also occur in the urethra (urethritis), the kidneys (pyelonephritis), or a combination of these.

Infections in the kidneys require evaluation by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Visit healthdirect for more information on UTIs .

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

• • burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

Visit healthdirect for more information on UTIs .

What is the difference between an uncomplicated and a complicated UTI?

A UTI is usually an uncomplicated UTI when you:

• • are otherwise healthy
  • are not pregnant
  • have no abnormalities or obstructions in your urinary tract
  • have an infection in the lower section of their urinary tract (bladder and urethra) indicated by symptoms including:
  • burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate.

You are more likely to be at risk of a complicated UTI if you:

• • are male*
  • have had a UTI more than once, for example, if you have had two or more UTIs within 6 months or three or more UTIs within 12 months
  • have received treatment for a UTI in the past 2 weeks and your symptoms have returned
  • are pregnant or have recently given birth
  • are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant medicines
  • have diabetes, renal (kidney) disease or impaired renal (kidney) function
  • have blood in your urine (wee)
  • have a history of a blood disorder
  • have had a previous kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  • have a spinal cord injury
  • have a urinary tract abnormality, have had previous surgery or stents on the urinary tract or a history of obstruction
  • have a catheter, or have recently had a catheter (last 48 hours)
  • have an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • are a resident of a residential aged care facility (RACF) 
  • have had medical or surgical gender affirming care that impacts urinary tract function 
  • are displaying symptoms of a more serious infection or an infection that has moved into the upper urinary tract. These symptoms may include:
  • a fever or chills
  • rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
  • rapid heart rate
  • chest pain
  • headaches, nausea or vomiting
  • confusion.

Pharmacists can only provide advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. If you are displaying any symptoms of a serious infection, your pharmacist will refer you to your doctor (GP) or an emergency department.

*The term ‘male’ is used to include all people presumed male at birth.

Contact us if you have any questions