Pharmacy

Consider a pharmacy for minor conditions such as:

Cold (following a negative COVID-19 test)
Constipation
Hay fever
Mild skin irritation
Minor grazes
Nappy rash
Tinea

Pharmacies are a great source of free health information. Appointments are not usually needed and information about how to treat minor illnesses and injuries can generally be provided quickly and easily.
If the pharmacist thinks a higher level of treatment is needed, they will recommend a GP, out-of-hours medical centre or an Emergency Department.

This section includes:

What can be done at a pharmacy
Find a pharmacy
Babies, children and the elderly
Check your symptoms

This information is a guide only and is not intended to be individual medical advice and should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified doctor or other health care professional. If your symptoms don’t improve, or get worse, phone or visit a GP, out-of-hours medical centre or pharmacy. In an emergency, you should always call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

Pharmacy services

Pharmacies can:

Provide information on treatment options for minor illnesses and injuries
Dispense prescription medicines and provide advice on how to take them safely
Dispense repeat prescriptions
Provide after hospital care including medicine management, specialist products and advice and help to find support networks
Provide community support in all aspects of medication and primary care
Give free advice on how to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, eating healthily and drinking alcohol responsibly.

Most pharmacies also offer additional services such as:

Emergency contraception (known as the ‘morning after pill’)
Health checks
Screening for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) supply.

To find out more about the services local pharmacies can provide, visit the Ask Your Pharmacist website. If the pharmacist thinks a higher level of treatment is needed, they will recommend a GP, out-of-hours medical centre or an Emergency Department.

Find a pharmacy

Many pharmacies are open late and on the weekends and public holidays. To find a local pharmacy, including those that are open after hours, visit the Heathdirect service finder, call 1800 022 222 or visit Adelaide PHN Adelaide After Hours service finder.

Healthdirect is not managed by SA Health and SA Health cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. For the most up to date information, contact the service provider directly.

Babies, children and the elderly

Some conditions that are not life-threatening for an adult can be more serious for babies, children and the elderly. If you are unsure or concerned, phone or visit a GP or out-of-hours medical centre, or go to the Emergency Department.

Find out more about care for children and preventing illness.

Check your symptoms

You can check your symptoms and receive some guidance about what health care option is best for your situation using the Healthdirect symptom checker.

Healthdirect is not managed by SA Health and SA Health cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. For the most up to date information, contact the service provider directly.

Healthy living tips

Making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of getting sick and help your mind and body to function as well as possible in everyday life.

Care for children

Some conditions that are not life-threatening for an adult can be more serious for babies and young children.