💊 Can I buy medicine or antibiotics without a prescription in Malta?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends on the medicine's classification — and no, antibiotics are not something you can buy off the shelf without a prescription. In Malta all medicines are sold only from pharmacies, and every product is classified during marketing authorisation as either POM (Prescription-Only Medicine, needs a prescription) or OTC (over the counter, no prescription). Antibiotics are as a rule POM: a pharmacist should not hand them over without a valid doctor's prescription. The myth: that in Malta "you can buy antibiotics over the counter like paracetamol". That practice has long been criticised by public health because of antibiotic resistance, and it is not the legal position. On the other hand, common medicines like paracetamol are OTC. If you qualify under the POYC (Pharmacy of Your Choice) scheme, you collect your government-schedule medicines free of charge from your chosen pharmacy, once you show a valid prescription.

📋 The rules

In Malta all medicines may be sold only from pharmacies, under a pharmacist's responsibility.
Every medicine is classified as POM (needs a prescription) or OTC (no prescription) during marketing authorisation by the Medicines Authority.
Antibiotics are as a rule POM and should not be dispensed without a valid doctor's prescription.
Controlled medicines (narcotics) have stricter rules, and under the POYC scheme are collected every 28 days rather than 56.
The POYC scheme gives medicines free of charge to more than 170,000 entitled patients (SCHV or Pink card), on showing a valid prescription.

🔓 Exceptions

OTC medicines such as paracetamol or certain antihistamines are bought without a prescription directly from the pharmacist.
When you bring a medicine for personal use from abroad (for example by post), the rules of the Medicines Authority and customs apply.
Certain medicines once classified as POM may be reclassified to OTC (or vice versa) as the safety evidence changes.

⚠️ Penalties & fines

A pharmacist who dispenses a POM medicine — including an antibiotic — without a valid prescription is breaching their licence conditions and the rules of the Medicines Authority, and may face disciplinary action against the pharmacy or professional licence. For controlled medicines (narcotics), a breach falls under the dangerous drugs law and carries serious criminal sanctions, not just a warning. But the biggest consequence often does not show up in a fine: misuse of antibiotics fuels resistance, which makes common infections far harder to treat — a risk to you and to the whole community. Someone who brings medicines from abroad without following the rules may see the package held by customs or destroyed, and where large quantities or controlled substances are involved a criminal case can be opened.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Can you buy antibiotics without a prescription in Malta?

As a rule no — antibiotics are POM medicines, and a pharmacist should not hand them over without a valid doctor's prescription. The fact that this has sometimes happened in the past does not make it legal, and public health is pushing back against it because of antibiotic resistance.

What is the difference between POM and OTC?

A POM (Prescription-Only Medicine) can be dispensed only when you present a valid doctor's prescription, while an OTC medicine is bought directly over the counter. The classification is decided by the Medicines Authority during the product's marketing authorisation.

What is the POYC scheme and who qualifies?

Pharmacy of Your Choice is a scheme through which more than 170,000 patients collect government medicines free from their chosen pharmacy. You qualify if you hold an SCHV document or a Pink card, and medicines are collected every 56 days, or every 28 days for controlled medicines.

Can I bring my own medicine from abroad by post?

You may bring a medicine for your own personal use, but the rules of the Medicines Authority and customs apply, especially for controlled substances. A package that does not follow the rules can be held or destroyed, so it is best to check before ordering from a foreign site.

Can only a doctor write a prescription?

Doctors and certain specialists write prescriptions for POM medicines, and in some limited cases pharmacists can give advice or supply certain medicines. However, for most antibiotics and strong medicines you need a prescription from a doctor who has examined you.

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