Drug Classification

Question 1

What does a General Sales List medicine need to have?

Answer 1

Medicine must be pre-packed and labelled
Covered by EU marketing
Premises must be capable of being closed
Limitation in drug strengths and pack size
Can be prescribed if felt necessary by the doctor

Question 2

Give an example of GSL drugs

Answer 2

Aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen
Capsules (maximum 16 capsules)
Powder or granules
Effervescent tablets (dissolvable)
Non-effervescent tablets
Liquid preparations (maximum 160ml)

Question 3

What are pharmacy only drugs?

Answer 3

Supervised by pharmacists
Pharmacist confirmation that criteria
Short term treatment - if needs more GP

Question 4

Give an example of pharmacy only drugs

Answer 4

eye ointments, ferrous sulphate, skin creams

Question 5

What are prescription only drugs?

Answer 5

Covered by EU marketing
Only valid with a written prescription
Larger packs of ibuprofen and paracetamol can be bought

Question 6

Give an example of prescription-only drugs

Answer 6

parenteral administration, controlled drug

Question 7

What are the categories of controlled drugs?

Answer 7

CLASS A: Heroin cocaine and LSD 
Possession: up to up to 7 years in prison 
Supply: life in prison
CLASS B: Ketamine 
Possession: up to 5 years in prison
Supply: 14 years in prison
CLASS C: Anabolic Steroids
Possession: up to 2 years
Supply: up to 14 years in prison

Question 8

What are the requirements for CD?

Answer 8

Written in prescribers handwriting
Form, strength and dose of medicine
Limit of validity = 13 weeks from date on prescription
Repeat prescriptions not permitted

Question 9

What are patient group directions?

Answer 9

Administration of medicines to groups of patients who may not be individually identified before presentation for treatment. Written directions which should be signed off by a doctor and pharmacist.

Question 10

PGD’s must contain?

Answer 10

• The period for which the PGD is valid
• Description or class of drug
• Any restrictions on the quantity that can be supplied
• Clinical situations in which the drug may be used
• Clinical criteria for inclusion of patients for treatment
• Specification of any exclusions from treatment and when further advice should be sought
• Authorising person/body must be designated

Question 11

What were the legal highs that are now illegal?

Answer 11

Spice
Laughing gas
Salvia
Mephedrone

Question 12

Nurses and midwife prescriptions?

Answer 12

Independent midwives/nurses can only prescribe POM, some CD’s, PO nad GSL
Competent in diagnosis and prescribe treatment within the sphere of practice
Prescribe in accordance with clinical management plan in cases where doctor has made an initial diagnosis- supplementary prescribing

Question 13

What is the midwives exemptions list?

Answer 13

A list of drugs that midwives can administer and prescribe without the doctor or pharmacist.
E.g: Anti-D immunoglobulin
Diamorphine
Ergometrine
Glycerol
Oxytocin
Paracetamol
Folic Acid
Pethidine