NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Update – 1st April 2026
Published: 26th March 2026
This update sets out the changes made to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List as of 1st April 2026. It details new additions for oral thrush and allergy/itch and highlights earlier changes that still matter to pharmacy teams.
Changes made in this Edition:
Update to Section 9.2 Oral Thrush
Addition of Nystatin Oral Suspension 100,000 units / ml x 30 ml (PGD)
Update to Section 10.3 Allergy/Itch
For use under Hydrocortisone PGD only
Addition of Hydrocortisone 1% cream x 15 g (POM)
Addition of Hydrocortisone 1% cream x 30 g (POM)
Addition of Hydrocortisone 1% ointment x 15 g (POM)
Addition of Hydrocortisone 1% ointment x 30 g (POM)
Changes made in previous Editions to be aware of:
In the 1 June 2024 Edition, a change was made to Section 2.2 Cough to remove Simple linctus paediatric sugar free and Simple Linctus sugar free, all pack sizes.
This removal was following advice from Area Drugs and Therapeutics Committees Collaborative (ADTCC). Lack of clinical evidence of effectiveness means they cannot support the continued inclusion of these products as treatments available on the NHS, in line with prescribing guidance across the country.
Patients presenting with symptoms of a cough can obtain background information on coughs and their clinical management at NHS Inform here.
If the patient subsequently requires further support, they can still access NHS Pharmacy First Scotland consultations for advice and/or referral where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Nystatin Oral Suspension 100,000 units/ml x 30 ml has been added to Section 9.2 for use under a PGD.
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Four hydrocortisone products have been added to Section 10.3, for use under the Hydrocortisone PGD only:
Hydrocortisone 1% cream (15 g and 30 g)
Hydrocortisone 1% ointment (15 g and 30 g)
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Simple linctus paediatric sugar free and Simple Linctus sugar free, all pack sizes.
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They were removed due to a lack of clinical evidence of effectiveness, as advised by ADTCC.
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Yes. They can access background information from NHS Inform and still attend NHS Pharmacy First Scotland consultations for advice or referral if needed.
Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.