Can Urgent Care Prescribe Medication?

Quick Answer:

Yes, urgent care providers can prescribe most medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, inhalers, and more. They cannot prescribe controlled substances like opioids for more than a few days or ADHD medications.

Prescriptions at Urgent Care

Urgent care centers have licensed physicians and nurse practitioners who can diagnose conditions and prescribe appropriate medications.

Medications They Can Prescribe

  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections (strep, UTI, skin infections)
  • Antivirals: Tamiflu for flu
  • Pain relievers: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, short-term pain management
  • Inhalers: For asthma, bronchitis
  • Steroids: For inflammation, allergic reactions
  • Anti-nausea: For stomach issues
  • Eye/ear drops: For infections
  • Skin medications: Topical creams, antifungals

Medications They Typically Can't Prescribe

  • Long-term opioid pain medications
  • ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin)
  • Anti-anxiety medications (Xanax, Valium)
  • Sleep medications
  • Medications requiring ongoing monitoring

How It Works

  1. Provider evaluates your condition
  2. Determines if medication is appropriate
  3. Sends prescription electronically to your pharmacy
  4. Pick up at pharmacy (usually ready in 30-60 minutes)

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