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OTC codeine sale — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPharmacy LawOTC codeine saleGPhC CRA

A registered pharmacy technician asks the pharmacist whether they can legally sell codeine linctus over the counter. The customer is requesting it for a cough. What is the correct legal position?

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Correct answer: C — Codeine linctus is a Pharmacy (P) medicine and can be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist after appropriate assessment

Codeine linctus is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine when containing codeine phosphate 15 mg/5 mL for the treatment of cough. It can be sold without a prescription under the supervision of a pharmacist, subject to appropriate clinical assessment including checking for signs of dependency or misuse. The pharmacist should ensure the sale is appropriate, consider the quantity supplied, and be alert to frequent purchases. Sales should be recorded where the pharmacist considers it necessary.

Reference: Human Medicines Regulations 2012; BNF; RPSGB/GPhC Guidance