Is Amoxicillin Prescription-Only in Australia?

Yes. Amoxicillin is a Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicine in Australia. A pharmacy can only supply it against a prescription from a doctor, dentist or nurse practitioner, and that applies online as well as in store.

That surprises people who have bought antibiotics over the counter in other countries. In Australia antibiotics have been prescription-only for decades, and the reasons have only become stronger.

Why amoxicillin is prescription-only

Most coughs, colds and sore throats are viral

Amoxicillin kills bacteria. It does nothing to the viruses behind colds, flu, most sore throats and most coughs. Taking it for a viral illness brings the side effects (stomach upset, diarrhoea, thrush, rashes) with no benefit. Our guide to what amoxicillin treats lists the bacterial infections it is actually used for.

Antibiotic resistance

Every unnecessary course gives bacteria a chance to adapt. Resistant infections are harder to treat and sometimes need hospital care. Australia tracks antibiotic use closely and has campaigned for years to cut prescriptions for infections that don't need them.

Penicillin allergy

Amoxicillin is a penicillin. Penicillin allergy ranges from a mild rash to anaphylaxis, and a prescriber needs to know your history first. Our page on antibiotic allergies covers what to tell them.

Who can prescribe amoxicillin

• GPs and other doctors, in person or by telehealth
• Dentists, for dental infections. See amoxicillin for dental infections
• Nurse practitioners, within their scope of practice

A telehealth consult can often handle a straightforward infection. Some problems still need to be seen or tested, such as an earache, a skin infection or a urine sample, so the doctor may ask you to come in.

What about pharmacist UTI services?

Most states now run programs letting trained community pharmacists supply antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, without a doctor's prescription. They're useful, but they work from a fixed protocol with a short list of named antibiotics, and amoxicillin generally isn't one of them. In South Australia, for example, the approved medicines are trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and cefalexin.

So a pharmacist can sometimes treat a UTI on the spot, but no Australian pharmacy can sell amoxicillin without a script.

What a prescription costs in 2026

Amoxicillin is listed on the PBS. From 1 January 2026 the most you pay for a PBS medicine is $25.00 per script, or $7.70 with a concession card (see the PBS patient fees page). Generic amoxicillin is cheap, so some packs cost less than the co-payment.

The consult costs depend on your GP's billing. Bulk-billed visits are free to you.

Common questions people search for

Can I use leftover amoxicillin? It's a poor idea. A leftover pack is rarely a full course, the infection may not be bacterial, and it may need a different antibiotic. Return unused medicine to any pharmacy for free disposal.

Can I import amoxicillin myself? Under the TGA's Personal Importation Scheme you still need a valid Australian prescription for a prescription-only medicine, and each order is capped at three months' supply.

Can I drink alcohol on amoxicillin? Moderate drinking doesn't stop amoxicillin working, but it can make side effects and recovery worse. The details are in amoxicillin and alcohol.

Do I need to finish the course? Follow your prescriber's instructions. Current thinking on course length is explained in do you need to finish your antibiotics.

The short version

You need a prescription for amoxicillin in Australia, and a doctor, dentist or nurse practitioner has to decide that you need it at all. Pharmacist UTI programs don't change that. With a PBS script it costs no more than $25.00, or $7.70 with a concession card. If you have a prescription, the antibiotics range lists each amoxicillin strength we stock, and healthdirect's amoxicillin information covers side effects in plain English.