The College of Optometrists

1. optometrists can sell or supply all P medicines in the course of their professional practice. Can we also USE all P medicines on pxs?

2. Have all forms of chloramphenicol been reclassified as P or does a PoM form still exist?

1- yes

2- its reclassified to P.

Thanks Palfi,

Some drugs (antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers) seem to exist as both P and PoM, is this due to concentrations of active ingredient? the stronger preparations being PoM?

Also, my understanding is that the 'emergency caveat' has been removed for P meds only but still applys to PoMs, so we can only supply Fucithalmic, cyclopentolate or tropic directly 'in an emergency'. We can supply indirectly via a signed order without the need for 'an emergency'.

Is this correct?

hmm- got bits wrong there, sorry.

Chlor and many antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers are still POMs , but a few types exist as P and can be got without Rxs - only for certain conditions (ie SAC and PAC) and as drops. Chlor can be got without Rx only for bacterial conjunctivitis.

For other conditions (or if you want ointment)they are POMS and need Rx writing.

I would think that you can prescribe the allowed POMS for any condition as long as it is ethical and recognised. For example you could think abt Rx Sodium Chromo for GPC. (but for SAC sodium chromo is P and no rx needed).

I think you've got the emergency situation right.:-) hope it helps .

The POM/P list seems abit arbitrary to me - but there it is. palfitis

Technically, you cannot prescribe Sodium Cromoglicate for GPC unless you are an additional supply (Level 2) prescriber.

Sodium Cromoglicate is a P med for SAC only, all other uses is POM.

wilco John