I Need Medicine After Midnight — What Do I Do?
After 23:00, Cyprus pharmacies close their doors — but duty coverage doesn't stop. The on-duty pharmacist remains reachable by phone until 08:00 in the morning. Here's how it actually works.
How does the after-midnight phone service work?
The law requires the on-duty pharmacist to remain reachable by phone from 23:00 until 08:00 the next morning, to dispense prescriptions to anyone who calls. The phone number is displayed on a lit sign in the pharmacy's window, and it's also listed on that pharmacy's page on this site.
Step by step: what to do
If you need medicine after 23:00:
- Find which pharmacy is on duty tonight in your area, from your district's page on this site
- Call the number listed — don't just show up without calling first, since the pharmacy itself is closed and the pharmacist may not be on site
- Describe what you need; if you have a prescription, keep it ready, though the pharmacist can also help based on a description in a genuine emergency
- The pharmacist will tell you whether you need to meet them at the pharmacy, or guide you from there
What counts as a real medical emergency?
For a serious medical emergency (difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, serious injury, loss of consciousness), call 112 immediately — the general emergency line, not the on-duty pharmacist. For suspected poisoning or overdose, call the Poison Control Centre on 1401. The on-duty pharmacist is for medicine and prescriptions, not medical diagnosis or emergency care.
What can wait until morning?
A routine refill of ongoing medication that isn't urgent can usually wait until regular pharmacies open in the morning. The overnight phone service exists for genuine needs that can't wait — use it accordingly.
Do I have to pay extra for after-midnight service?
There's no officially published surcharge for overnight service — standard, state-regulated medicine prices apply. Confirm with the pharmacist on the call if you're unsure.
What if the on-duty pharmacist doesn't answer the phone?
Try again after a few minutes — it may take them time to reach the phone. If it's a genuine medical emergency and you can't get through, call 112.