The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7235 p188
8 February 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Dispensing

Is preparation of simple formulae really beyond pharmacists?

From Mr C. M. Wragg, MRPharmS

I was surprised to see that the younger generation of pharmacists appear to need instruction in the preparation of chloroform water and peppermint water (PJ, 1 February, p172).

In the same issue (p146) there is a request for someone to prepare a batch of lotio alibour, which, according to an old edition of 'Martindale' that I have consulted, consists of a simple solution of zinc sulphate and copper sulphate in camphor water. Is the preparation of such a simple medicament really beyond the capabilities of any pharmacist? Clearly extemporaneous dispensing is a skill which is rarely required nowadays, but surely it should still be taught.

Christopher Wragg
Bakewell, Derbyshire

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