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Expiry after opening eye drops — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyDispensing and SupplyExpiry after opening eye dropsGPhC CRA

A patient collects chloramphenicol eye drops and asks whether she can keep the opened bottle for future conjunctivitis episodes. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: ADiscard after the recommended in-use period and do not keep for future self-treatment

Eye drops can become contaminated after opening and have a limited in-use shelf life. The patient should follow storage and discard instructions on the label and leaflet. Future red-eye episodes may require reassessment, particularly if red flags are present. Sharing eye drops is unsafe.

Reference: BNF; manufacturer guidance