The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7331 p27
1/8 January 2005

Society summary

An occasional feature, prepared in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Professional Standards Directorate, to highlight problems and inquiries currently being handled

Law and Ethics Bulletin, 2001 to present
See also Good Practice Points, 2003 to present

Chloramphenicol errors

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society continues to receive complaints about dispensing errors on prescriptions calling for chloramphenicol products.

Since 2000, chloramphenicol ear drops have been required to be stored in a refrigerator as well as chloramphenicol eye drops. This requirement has led to an increase in the risk of picking errors.

Pharmacists are therefore strongly advised to take extra precautions when handling chloramphenicol products. It is advised that eye and ear preparations are stored separately in the refrigerator.

Pharmacists should ensure that all members of staff who have responsibility for putting away goods have been trained to take extra care when putting away chloramphenicol products so as to ensure separation is maintained. Extra vigilance must be employed when dispensing and checking so as to ensure that the patient receives the correct medication.

Errors of this nature have the potential to cause harm to the patient if an incorrect product is administered.