Earache in Children: Assessed and Treated at the Pharmacy

Who this covers

Under Pharmacy First, a pharmacist can assess and treat middle-ear infection in children and young people aged 1 to 17. Under-1s and adults are outside the service and need a GP, though we can still give advice.

Ear pain in children is common, frequently follows a cold, and often settles without antibiotics. It is also one of the most distressing things for a parent to sit with overnight, which is why being able to have it looked at the same evening matters.

What the assessment involves

The pharmacist looks in both ears with an otoscope, asks how long the pain has been there, checks temperature, and asks about discharge, hearing and how your child is in themselves.

Depending on what is found, you may leave with pain relief advice and a clear plan, or with an antibiotic if the examination supports it. Delayed prescriptions — take it only if things have not improved in a set time — are sometimes the most sensible option and we will explain if so.

Signs that need urgent attention instead

Take your child to urgent care or call 111 if they are very drowsy or floppy, have a stiff neck or a rash that does not fade under pressure, have swelling or redness behind the ear, or are under one year old with a high temperature.

Open late, seven days

We are open until 9pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm on Sunday, which covers the evenings when surgeries are closed and earache tends to get worse. No appointment is needed — just come in.