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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

You don't need a doctor's appointment to get treated for a bladder infection in Ottawa. At our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans, an Ontario-licensed pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, for an uncomplicated UTI, prescribe an appropriate antibiotic during the same visit — free with your Ontario health card.

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the bladder. It's one of the most common reasons women seek urgent care, and it responds well to a short course of antibiotics — which means waiting days for an appointment, or hours at a walk-in clinic, is usually unnecessary.

What a UTI feels like

Most bladder infections announce themselves clearly: a burning or stinging feeling when you urinate, needing to go more often or more urgently than usual, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine or a dull ache low in your belly. Part of the pharmacist's assessment is making sure your symptoms point to a simple bladder infection — and not something that needs a physician, like a kidney infection.

UTIs are very common — roughly half of all women will have at least one bladder infection in their lifetime, and many experience repeat infections. Prompt antibiotic treatment typically relieves symptoms within 1–3 days.

Common signs and symptoms

Burning or pain when urinating
Needing to urinate more often or more urgently
Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Urinary anti-infectives: Fosfomycin (Monurol), Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Septra), Trimethoprim

Self-care that helps

Urinary pain relief (e.g., phenazopyridine/Uristat) — eases burning; short-term use, turns urine orange
Cranberry products — may help prevent recurrent UTIs (not a treatment for active infection)
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort
Drink plenty of fluids, don't hold urine, wipe front-to-back, and urinate after intercourse to help prevent recurrence

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pharmacist really prescribe antibiotics for a UTI in Ontario?

Yes. Since 2023, Ontario pharmacists are authorized to assess uncomplicated urinary tract infections and prescribe antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) or fosfomycin when appropriate. The assessment is done privately in the pharmacy and takes about 15 minutes.

Who can be assessed for a UTI at the pharmacy?

Pharmacist prescribing covers uncomplicated bladder infections — typically in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant women. Men, children, pregnant patients, and anyone with fever, back pain, or recurrent infections are referred to a physician, because those cases need further work-up.

How fast will the antibiotic work?

Most people feel noticeably better within 24–48 hours of starting treatment. Always finish the full course, even once symptoms settle.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: Seek medical care if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, nausea or vomiting (possible kidney infection); blood in the urine; symptoms during pregnancy; a UTI in a man, child, or older adult; recurrent UTIs; a urinary catheter; or symptoms that don't improve after treatment.

UTI symptoms? Get treated today.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for uncomplicated UTIs — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.