From Ms L. M. A. Barr, MRPharmS, and Mr J. G. Timmins, MRPharmS
SIR,-There are a number of occasions when we need to issue a course of penicillin V for longer than seven days, eg, for bacterial sore throats (Merec Bulletin, vol 10, no 11, 1999) where 10-day courses have been shown to be more effective.
We find that we are unable to source a preparation with a reconstituted expiry date of longer than seven days. This causes inconvenience for parents in trying to obtain a supply to cover the three days after the first seven day course. They are left with the options of returning to the hospital for a top-up supply, visiting their general practitioner for a further supply or more than likely missing the remaining doses. We are loath to issue dry granules for reconstituting by parents on a routine basis.
At one time we could purchase a colour-free preparation with a 14-day expiry date after reconstitution which avoided all these problems. Unfortunately this is no longer available. Can anyone help with a supplier of material which would help in these situations?
Liesa Barr
Senior Pharmacist, Drug Information
John Timmins
Chief Pharmacist, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH