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POM to P switch — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsPOM to P switchGPhC CRA

A parent asks to buy a standard Pharmacy pack of chloramphenicol eye drops for a 20-month-old with a sticky eye. The child appears otherwise well and no prescription is presented. Which response is most accurate?

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

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Correct answer: A — Do not supply outside the Pharmacy product's authorised age; advise clinical assessment

The MHRA safety review supports prescribed chloramphenicol eye drops in children younger than 2 when clinically indicated; it does not automatically extend the non-prescription marketing authorisation. A Pharmacy supply must remain within the particular product’s authorised age, indication and presentation, so this request needs an appropriate prescribing or assessment route. Consent, dose reduction and symptom duration cannot change legal classification or licence terms.

Reference: MHRA: chloramphenicol eye drops in children younger than 2 years. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/chloramphenicol-eye-drops-containing-borax-or-boric-acid-buffers-use-in-children-younger-than-2-years MHRA: medicines — reclassify your product. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medicines-reclassify-your-product Human Medicines Regulations 2012. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/pdfs/uksi_20121916_en.pdf