Cefalexin and mupirocin are just two of the antibiotics that Queensland pharmacists will prescribe under the state’s expanded pharmacy prescribing pilot this year.

Pharmacists will also be expected to order pathology testing, if patients agree to pay private fees, before initiating presumptive therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanate for bites or clenched-fist injuries and referring the patient to a GP for further management.

The controversial pilot is almost ready to begin after an initial group of budding pharmacist prescribers from North Queensland finished their training with the Queensland University of Technology.  

Pharmacists also have to complete a clinical skills course run by James Cook University.