Irish medicine rules put every product into one of three boxes: general sale (anyone can buy it), pharmacy-only (a pharmacist has to be involved in the sale), and prescription-only (you need a script from a doctor, or, for some conditions now, a pharmacist assessment). Knowing which box a medicine sits in saves you a wasted trip, so here’s the practical guide, plus a lookup tool for the products people ask about most.
Do I need a prescription for…?
Pick the medicine you’re wondering about.
The three categories, in plain English
- General sale: paracetamol in small packs, plasters, vitamins, available in any shop.
- Pharmacy-only: sold only in pharmacies, sometimes only after a word with the pharmacist, codeine products, the morning after pill, Viagra Connect, larger packs of painkillers.
- Prescription-only: antibiotics (mostly), blood pressure and cholesterol medicines, inhalers, strong painkillers, GLP-1 injections, prescribed by your GP, dispensed by us.
Not sure what you need?
Send us a message describing what you’re looking for, our pharmacists will tell you whether it needs a prescription, whether we can supply it in store, and what it costs.
Prescription rules FAQs
Can I get antibiotics without a prescription in Ireland?
Only through a pharmacist consultation for specific common conditions such as uncomplicated UTIs, conjunctivitis and impetigo. All other antibiotics need a GP prescription.
Why does the pharmacist have to ask questions about codeine painkillers?
It’s a legal requirement, codeine products are for short-term use only when standard painkillers haven’t worked, and the pharmacist must check they’re suitable for you.
What if I run out of my regular medicine and can’t reach my GP?
Ask us about an emergency supply, in certain circumstances pharmacists can dispense a regular medicine to keep you going until you can see your doctor.
Can Laois Pharmacy fill any Irish prescription?
Yes, bring in a paper prescription, have your GP send a Healthmail prescription to us, or send a photo via WhatsApp on 085 840 7548 and collect when it’s ready.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, July 2026.
