Prescription types Flashcards
What is the most common type of prescription encountered in community pharmacy?
EPS (Electronic Prescription Service) tokens.
What is an FP10D prescription used for?
Dental prescriptions.
What legislation governs the regulation of medicines for human use in the UK?
The Medicines Act 1968 and the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Which regulations consolidate most statutory instruments concerning human medicines?
The Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
What are the three legal categories of medicine defined by the Human Medicines Regulations 2012?
General Sale List (GSL), Pharmacy (P), and Prescription-Only Medicines (POM).
What factors influence the classification of a medicine?
Risk vs. benefit, potential side effects, misdiagnosis risks, and patient access.
What does the term “over-the-counter” (OTC) mean in the UK?
An informal term for medicines that do not require a prescription; includes GSL and P medicines.
Where can GSL medicines be sold?
Registered pharmacies and other retail outlets that can exclude the public.
Can GSL medicines be sold from market stalls or vehicles?
No.
What are the key features of GSL medicines?
Used for minor conditions lasting 2–3 days, low side effect profile, limited pack sizes.
Where can P medicines be sold?
Only in registered pharmacies under a pharmacist’s supervision.
Can P medicines be self-selected by customers?
No, they must not be accessible for self-selection.
What kind of conditions are P medicines typically used to treat?
Short-term, identifiable conditions.
How are P medicines marked on their packaging?
With a “P” symbol.
What is the packaging difference between GSL and P medicines?
GSL medicines may have no marking or say “GSL”; P medicines are marked with a “P”.
What is a key difference in sale requirements between GSL and P medicines regarding the Responsible Pharmacist?
GSL: Can be sold if RP is signed in but absent. P: Cannot be sold if RP is absent.
Give an example of a medicine with GSL, P, and POM classifications.
Stimulant laxatives.
What classification is given to stimulant laxatives for adults 18+ for occasional constipation?
GSL.
What classification is given to stimulant laxatives licensed for ages 12+ with weight-loss misuse warnings?
P.
What classification is given to stimulant laxatives for children under 12 or chronic conditions?
POM.
Do pharmacists have a right to refuse sale of medicines?
Yes, based on clinical judgment.
Why are pseudoephedrine and ephedrine subject to legal restrictions?
Due to potential for abuse and misuse.
What is the maximum legal sale limit for pseudoephedrine without prescription?
720 mg.
What is the maximum legal sale limit for ephedrine without prescription?
180 mg.
