The NHS will no longer be providing some over-the-counter prescriptions, including paracetamol and eye drops, from next month.

The move means doctors will also be banned from handing out prescriptions for conditions such as conjunctivitis, mild acne and minor burns and scalds.

Proposals to rein in prescriptions for medicines for dozens of minor conditions, received "broad support" in a public consultation, board members heard.

The NHS announced the move, which will save millions of pounds every year, at the end of March. The new guidance to GPs across the UK starts from May 31, reports the Mirror .

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "Across the NHS our aim is to: 'Think like a patient, act like a taxpayer'.

"The NHS is probably the most efficient health service in the world, but we're determined to keep pushing further.

"Every pound we save from cutting waste is another pound we can then invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments and much better mental health services."

More than 60% of respondents to the consultation agreed that over-the-counter products should not be prescribed for a range of minor conditions, board papers show.

The changes will not affect prescriptions for long-term or complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are a symptom of something more serious.

Vulnerable patients will also continue to receive prescriptions for over-the-counter items, provided they are proven to be effective.

Treatments for constipation, cold sores, conjunctivitis, mild indigestion, dandruff, haemorrhoids, infant colic, minor burns and scalds and minor pain conditions such as headache and backache are among those which will not be routinely prescribed.

Remedies for mouth ulcers, nappy rash, ringworm, athlete's foot, head lice, mild toothache, travel sickness, and warts and verrucae have also been dropped, as well as some vitamins and minerals.

Some of the products were available for purchase over the counter at a lower cost than that which would be incurred by the NHS.

NHS England said it spends £22.8 million every year on constipation treatment, £3 million on athlete's foot and other fungal infections, and £4.5 million on dandruff shampoos.

The prescription changes could free up almost £100 million for the health service, the body added.

The move follows a vote in November to remove homeopathy, herbal remedies and supplements from the prescription list as part of a review of "wasteful" prescriptions.

Conditions affected by NHS prescription crackdown

  • Acute sore throat
  • Infrequent cold sores of the lip
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Coughs and colds and nasal congestion
  • Cradle Cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis – infants)
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Infant colic
  • Mild cystitis
  • Mild irritant dermatitis
  • Dandruff
  • Diarrhoea (adults)
  • Dry eyes/sore (tired) eyes
  • Earwax
  • Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
  • Head lice
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Infrequent constipation
  • Infrequent migraine
  • Insect bites and sting
  • Mild acne
  • Mild dry skin
  • Sunburn
  • Sun protection
  • Mild to moderate hay fever/seasonal rhinitis
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Nappy rash
  • Oral thrush
  • Prevention of dental caries
  • Ringworm/athlete's foot
  • Teething/mild toothache
  • Threadworms
  • Travel sickness
  • Warts and verruca