The Medicines Control Agency has proposed to change two pharmacy medicines - famotidine and heparinoid - to general sale list status.
Consultation letter MLX 262, proposes the addition of famotidine to the GSL Order for short-term symptomatic relief of heartburn, indigestion, acid indigestion and hyperacidity, with a maximum strength of 10mg, a maximum dose of 10mg and a maximum daily dose of 20mg. Packs would be restricted to 12 tablets.
Also proposed for reclassification as a GSL medicine is heparinoid for external use. No more than 20g packs of 1 per cent product would be allowed. Use would be restricted to the relief of bruises, sprains and soft tissue injuries in adults and children aged six years and over.
Two further proposed changes are an increase in the pack size of bisacodyl tablets for GSL sale from 10 to 20 tablets and the classification of alpha-pinene for external use as a GSL medicine. Alpha-pinene is the major constituent of turpentine oil and is used as a relaxing agent for muscle aches and strains.
Comments on the proposals can be sent to Dugan Cummings, Room 1109a, MCA, Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQ, until June 22.