The NHS will no longer be offering certain over-the-counter prescriptions as a way of saving money.

This crackdown will include items such as paracetamol, cold treatment, eye drops and sun cream because “patients too must remember that these items are not 'free'”.

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."

This ban will not affect those with longer term or complex conditions the NHS has clarified.

John O'Connell, from the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for items like anti-dandruff shampoo or athlete's foot powder.

"Cutting out wasteful spending like this will mean that precious resources can be focused on frontline services.”

GPs and chemists will no longer be offering these medicines by prescription from May 31.

From May 31, the following list of conditions will be affected by the 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

Diarhoea (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/athletes foot

Teething/mild toothache

Threadworms

Travel sickness

Warts and verruca