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Eye drop storage and expiry — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyDispensing and SupplyEye drop storage and expiryGPhC CRA

A prescription for chloramphenicol eye drops 0.5% says 'one drop into the left eye every 2 hours for 48 hours then every 4 hours'. The patient asks how long the bottle can be used after opening. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: C — Follow the product's after-opening discard period and storage instructions

Eye drops have after-opening expiry periods because of contamination risk. Chloramphenicol eye drops also have specific storage requirements depending on product. The patient should be counselled on hygiene, avoiding contact between dropper and eye, and seeking review if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Reference: BNF; SmPC