Which minor ailments can Ontario pharmacists treat?

Depending on the condition and eligibility criteria, Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe treatment for minor ailments such as acid reflux, acne, allergic rhinitis, cold sores, dermatitis, hemorrhoids, insect bites, pink eye, urinary tract infections, and other eligible conditions. The authorized list was expanded in July 2026, so patients should confirm current services with their pharmacy.

Can a pharmacist renew my prescription in Ontario?

A pharmacist may renew certain existing prescriptions when permitted by Ontario regulations and when appropriate for continuity of care. Eligibility depends on the medication, applicable restrictions, and the pharmacist's assessment. Contact your pharmacist to confirm whether your prescription can be renewed.

Do I need an OHIP card to see a pharmacist for a minor ailment?

Eligible Ontario residents with a valid Ontario health card can receive publicly funded minor ailment assessment services at participating pharmacies at no additional service cost. Medication costs may still apply depending on prescription coverage and eligibility.

Can I get a prescription from a pharmacist without seeing a doctor?

Yes. If your condition and medication fall within the pharmacist's authorized scope, you may be assessed and treated at a pharmacy without first visiting a doctor. If your symptoms require further investigation or fall outside the pharmacist's scope, you may be referred to a physician or another healthcare professional.

When should I see a doctor instead of a pharmacist?

Seek medical assessment when symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, unusual, or outside the pharmacist's authorized scope. For emergencies such as severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or signs of a stroke, call 911.

What Can Pharmacists Prescribe in Ontario in 2026? The 28 Minor Ailments Explained

What can pharmacists prescribe in Ontario?

In Ontario, pharmacists can assess patients and prescribe certain medications for 28 minor ailments, provided the pharmacist determines that treatment is appropriate. Pharmacists can also provide other services within their authorized scope of practice, such as renewing or adapting certain prescriptions and prescribing specific medications for smoking cessation.

Ontario recently added nine minor ailments to the list.

Not every pharmacy offers every service, and a pharmacist will not prescribe medication if an assessment suggests that another healthcare professional or further investigation is needed.

The complete list of 28 minor ailments

Ontario pharmacists may assess and prescribe for the following conditions, subject to the applicable rules and clinical assessment.

Skin conditions

Mild acne
Calluses and corns
Dermatitis, including eczema and allergic or contact dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis
Impetigo
Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
Ringworm (tinea corporis)
Jock itch (tinea cruris)
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
Common and plantar warts, excluding those on the face and genitals

Eye, nose, mouth and head conditions

Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic or viral pink eye)
Dry eye
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Viral rhinitis or rhinosinusitis causing nasal congestion
Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
Herpes labialis (cold sores)
Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
Mild tension-type headache

Digestive conditions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or acid reflux)
Hemorrhoids
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

Urinary, reproductive and other conditions

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection)
Dysmenorrhea (period pain)
Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
Pediculosis (head lice)
Pinworms and threadworms
Tick bites, including post-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent Lyme disease.

Important: This is a list of conditions pharmacists are authorized to assess and treat, not a guarantee that a prescription will be issued. The pharmacist must determine whether the condition is suitable for pharmacy treatment.

What new conditions were recently added?

Nine conditions were recently added to Ontario’s minor-ailment list:

Calluses and corns

Dandruff

Dry eye
Head lice
Jock itch
Mild tension-type headache
Nasal congestion caused by viral rhinitis or rhinosinusitis
Ringworm
Warts, subject to the regulatory exclusions

The expansion means patients have more options for accessing treatment without first booking a physician appointment. However, pharmacy services are not a replacement for medical care when symptoms are severe, unusual or persistent.

What medications can an Ontario pharmacist prescribe?

The answer depends on the condition. For example, the regulation lists certain treatments for mild acne, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, cold sores and other eligible conditions. It also specifies which drugs may be prescribed for eligible uncomplicated UTIs, conjunctivitis, impetigo and tick-bite prophylaxis.

Pharmacists cannot prescribe a medicine for a minor ailment merely because it belongs to a generally related drug class. The specific drug must be authorized for that condition, and the pharmacist must determine that it is clinically appropriate for the patient.

Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in Ontario?

Yes, but only where the pharmacist has legal authority to prescribe an authorized medicine and the patient’s condition is suitable for that treatment.

Certain antibiotics are included in the authorized drug lists for conditions such as uncomplicated UTIs, bacterial conjunctivitis and impetigo. Doxycycline is listed for post-exposure prophylaxis following a tick bite to help prevent Lyme disease, when appropriate.

An antibiotic is not automatically appropriate just because a patient has symptoms that could be caused by an infection. The pharmacist must assess the patient, consider warning signs and follow the applicable prescribing requirements. If you think you may have a UTI, read our guide on when to see a pharmacist for a UTI in Ontario.

Does a pharmacist assessment cost anything in Ontario?

At Cloud Pharmacy, the minor-ailment assessment is fully covered with a valid Ontario health card. There is no charge for the assessment itself.

However, a covered assessment does not mean that every resulting prescription, medication or dispensing fee is free. The cost of medication depends on the prescribed drug, your eligibility for public drug coverage, and any applicable private insurance or other benefits. Coverage rules differ between plans and medications.

If you want to know your costs before treatment, ask the pharmacist:

Whether the prescribed medication is covered by your drug plan
Whether a dispensing fee or other charge applies
Whether your private insurance or other benefits apply

Student discounts at Cloud Pharmacy

Cloud Pharmacy offers student discounts. To see how it works and who qualifies, visit our Student Discount page.

If you have public drug coverage or private health insurance, our pharmacy team can help you check whether your prescribed medication is eligible for coverage. Having insurance does not necessarily mean that every medication or fee will be paid in full.

How to get a minor-ailment assessment in Toronto

If you live, study or work in downtown Toronto, you can visit Cloud Pharmacy for a minor-ailment assessment. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed. Virtual consultations are also available if you can’t come in person.

A typical visit looks like this:

Describe your symptoms. Explain when they started, how severe they are and whether they have occurred before.
Review your health information. Tell the pharmacist about your medical history, allergies, current medicines and relevant insurance coverage. Bring your Ontario health card.
Receive an assessment. The pharmacist decides whether your symptoms fall within the minor-ailment service and whether pharmacy treatment is appropriate.
Discuss the treatment plan. If prescribing is appropriate, the pharmacist explains the medication and how to use it. If it is not appropriate, they may recommend self-care, follow-up or referral to another provider.
Confirm the cost. The assessment is covered with a valid Ontario health card. Ask about any medication costs or dispensing fees.

Learn more about our minor ailment prescribing in Toronto, our comprehensive clinical pharmacy services, or our downtown Toronto pharmacy.

Visit or contact Cloud Pharmacy

Address: 55 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario

Phone: (647) 748-1337

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

When should you see a doctor instead?

A pharmacist may recommend another healthcare provider if your symptoms do not fit an eligible minor ailment, if your medical history makes pharmacy treatment unsuitable, or if your condition requires testing or closer monitoring.

Seek medical advice when symptoms are severe, persist or recur, or fail to improve as expected. For potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as severe difficulty breathing or signs of a stroke, call 911.

Do not delay urgent medical care while waiting for a pharmacy assessment.

Other prescribing services available from Ontario pharmacists

Minor ailments are not the only area in which pharmacists may have prescribing authority. Depending on the applicable rules, their qualifications and the service offered, pharmacists may also be able to:

Renew or adapt certain existing prescriptions
Prescribe specified medicines to support smoking cessation
Provide authorized vaccination services
Offer medication reviews and other clinical pharmacy services

The availability and eligibility requirements differ by service. Ask your pharmacist what they can provide for your particular needs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pharmacist prescribe medication without a doctor in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario pharmacists can prescribe specified medicines for eligible minor ailments when their assessment indicates that treatment is appropriate. The condition and medicine must fall within their legal authority.

Can a pharmacist prescribe for all 28 minor ailments?

Pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe for the 28 listed conditions, but not every patient will qualify for treatment. The pharmacist considers symptoms, health history, risks and whether referral is necessary.

Is a pharmacist assessment free with OHIP?

At Cloud Pharmacy, the minor-ailment assessment is fully covered with a valid Ontario health card. The medication and dispensing fee may still cost extra, depending on the drug and your benefits.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome at Cloud Pharmacy, and virtual consultations are also available. You can call us at (647) 748-1337 with any questions.

Will private insurance cover my prescription?

It depends on your insurance policy, the medication and the plan's rules. Our pharmacy team can check your coverage and explain any amount you may need to pay.

Can students get a discount at Cloud Pharmacy?

Yes. Cloud Pharmacy offers student discounts. See our Student Discount page for details.

Where can I find the official list of authorized drugs?

Consult Ontario Regulation 256/24, Schedule 4 and the Ontario College of Pharmacists' minor-ailment prescribing guidance. These official resources take precedence over general online summaries.

Submit Your Prescription

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