UTI Treatment in Holborn, London — from £19.99
Ways Pharmacy offers a pharmacist-led service for women with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI, often called cystitis) at our GPhC-registered pharmacy (premises number 9012227) at 77 Southampton Row, Holborn WC1 — around two minutes' walk from the British Museum. You can start online or come in person. A pharmacist assesses your symptoms and checks for warning signs before any antibiotic is supplied, in English or Chinese (中文). Antibiotics are only supplied when the pharmacist judges they are needed.
UTI service at a glance
| Treatment options | A 3-day antibiotic course — nitrofurantoin, or cefalexin where nitrofurantoin is not suitable — supplied under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) after pharmacist assessment |
|---|---|
| Price | £19.99 for a 3-day course · no consultation fee · free online assessment — you pay only once the pharmacist confirms treatment is suitable |
| Who it is for | Women aged 16 to 64 with new urinary symptoms for 7 days or less, who are not pregnant |
| How it works | Online questionnaire, ID check and a phone or video call with a pharmacist — or a face-to-face consultation at the pharmacy |
| Pharmacist assessment | Symptoms and how long you have had them, warning signs of kidney infection, pregnancy, previous UTIs, other medicines and allergies |
| Where and when | 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · Monday to Friday, 9:00am–6:00pm |
| Language | English and Chinese (中英文服务) |
Start your free online assessment or call 020 8106 7084.
Treatment options and prices
| Option | What it is | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrofurantoin 100mg modified-release capsules (first choice) | Prescription-only antibiotic. One capsule twice a day for 3 days (6 capsules). | £19.99 | Nitrofurantoin 3-day course |
| Cefalexin 500mg capsules | Prescription-only antibiotic used when nitrofurantoin is not suitable, for example because of kidney function or allergy. One capsule twice a day for 3 days. | £19.99 | Cefalexin 500mg |
Finish the full 3-day course even if you feel better. Symptoms usually start to improve within 24 to 48 hours. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol for pain can help in the meantime.
Who can use this service
- Women aged 16 to 64
- Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection for 7 days or less, such as pain or burning when passing urine, needing to go more often or urgently, needing to get up at night to pass urine, or cloudy urine
- Not pregnant, with no chance of being pregnant
- No UTI in the last 6 months, and fewer than 3 UTIs in the last 12 months
- No urinary catheter and no known problems with the structure of the urinary tract
- If you are 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must join the video call
In England, women aged 16 to 64 can also get UTI advice and, if needed, treatment free through the NHS Pharmacy First service at participating pharmacies. Ways Pharmacy Holborn is a private pharmacy and does not provide NHS services.
When you should see a GP or get urgent help instead
The pharmacist will not supply antibiotics through this service, and will refer you to a GP or urgent care, if you have:
- A temperature of 37.9°C or above, shivering, pain in your back or side below the ribs, feeling sick or being sick — possible signs of a kidney infection
- New confusion, or feeling very unwell
- Pregnancy, a missed period or a chance you could be pregnant
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching or irritation, or symptoms that could be a sexually transmitted infection — see our private STI testing page
- Symptoms for more than 7 days, or repeated UTIs
- A weakened immune system, or diabetes that is poorly controlled or has complications
- Blood in your urine without other symptoms
Men, and women under 16 or over 64, with urinary symptoms should see a GP. Call NHS 111 if your symptoms get worse, you develop a fever or back pain, or you do not start to improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. Call 999 if you feel confused, very drowsy, very breathless, or have a rash that does not fade when pressed.
How it works
- Start your free online assessment. Answer the health questions online and confirm your identity (upload photo ID, or show it on a video call).
- Pharmacist reviews and speaks with you. By phone or video, the pharmacist checks for warning signs and confirms whether an antibiotic is suitable, and which one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must join the video call.
- If suitable, choose and pay. The pharmacist confirms which treatment is suitable; you then order and pay online for the nitrofurantoin 3-day course, or call 020 8106 7084. If it is not suitable, including when the pharmacist gives advice only, you pay nothing — the pharmacist explains your other options. If you have already paid and treatment is not suitable, you get a full refund.
- We post your medicine or you collect it. Orders approved by the pharmacist before 3:00pm on a working day are posted the same day — see our shipping information for delivery charges. Or collect from the Holborn pharmacy once your order is approved.
If the medicine you chose is not suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option; you only pay once a suitable treatment is confirmed.
Why choose Ways Pharmacy
- Pharmacist speaks with you directly — antibiotics are not supplied on a questionnaire alone
- Free online assessment — you only pay once the pharmacist confirms treatment is suitable
- Consultation in Chinese (中文) or English by a GPhC-registered pharmacist
- Pharmacy at 77 Southampton Row, near Holborn and Russell Square stations, for collection on weekdays
- Related women's health services: contraceptive pill and period delay
Frequently asked questions
How much is UTI treatment at Ways Pharmacy?
A 3-day antibiotic course costs £19.99. It is supplied only if the pharmacist assesses that it is suitable for you.
Which antibiotic will I get?
Usually nitrofurantoin 100mg modified-release capsules, twice a day for 3 days. If nitrofurantoin is not suitable, for example because of an allergy or kidney problems, the pharmacist may supply cefalexin instead.
How quickly will I feel better?
Most women start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours. If you do not improve within 48 hours, or you feel worse at any point, seek medical advice.
Can men use this service?
No. UTIs in men need a different assessment. Men with urinary symptoms should see a GP.
I am pregnant. Can I use this service?
No. UTIs in pregnancy need to be assessed by a GP or midwife, as they need different treatment and follow-up. Contact them the same day.
I had a UTI recently. Can I get treatment again?
If you have had a UTI in the last 6 months, or 3 or more in the last 12 months, this service is not suitable. Recurrent infections should be assessed by your GP, who may arrange a urine test.
Does nitrofurantoin have side effects?
The most common are feeling sick, headache and stomach upset. Taking it with food can help. Stop and seek medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.
Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics for a UTI?
Alcohol and lots of caffeine can irritate the bladder, so it is sensible to avoid them until your symptoms settle. Drink plenty of water.
How can I lower the risk of another UTI?
Drink enough fluids, do not hold on when you need to pass urine, wipe from front to back, and pass urine after sex.
Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
This page gives factual information about pharmacy services and medicines. Any medicine is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.
Ways Pharmacy
77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET
Telephone: 020 8106 7084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am–6:00pm, closed Saturday and Sunday
Around 2 minutes' walk from the British Museum, near Holborn station
GPhC-registered pharmacy premises: 9012227 · About Ways Pharmacy
