The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7245 p542
19 April 2003

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Announcements

• PGD flowcharts
• New non-proprietary name
• January retail sales figures

Announcements

PGD flowcharts

A second edition of the Community Care Liaison Group's flowchart on implementing patient group directions, supported by Merck Sharp & Dohme, is now available. Those wanting laminated copies should send their name and address to Curtis Buckley, 10 The Old Forge, London Road, Wendens Ambo, Essex CB11 4JL (e-mail curtisbuckley@aol.com).

New non-proprietary name

The British National Formulary intends to introduce a new non-proprietary name for a medicinal product for which the British Pharmacopoeia Commission has decided not to construct a monograph. The title "Compound Alginate Oral Suspension, BNF" has been constructed for oral liquids containing sodium alginate BP 250 mg, sodium bicarbonate BP 133.5 mg and alcium carbonate BP 80 mg in each 5 ml of oral suspension. The oral suspension will conform to the monograph on oral liquids of the British Pharmacopoeia. The BNF has identified the following products to which the above definition is applicable:

• Gaviscon Liquid

• Peptac Suspension

Parties wishing to comment on this proposal should do so in writing to the executive secretary to the BNF at the Society's headquarters, London, by 22 May 2003.

January retail sales figures

The value of retail sales for January 2003 under the classification of pharmaceutical sales, was up five points at 123.

The classification of the retail sale of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and toilet goods excludes National Health Service receipts. The figures are based on returns made by a number of large retail pharmacy chains, but exclude Boots The Chemists Ltd, which is classified under non-specialised retail stores. The figures are compiled by the Office for National Statistics.