Homes which offer over the counter products for general use must develop in conjunction with a doctor or pharmacist written controls and guidance for staff. These must include as a minimum:
- which problems (for example headache, cough, insect bite) may be treated with over-the-counter products
- a list of medicines / products that may be administered and what they are for
- possible contraindications with certain prescribed medicines
- the dose and frequency
- the maximum daily dose
- how long the medicine / product should be used before seeking medical advice from the person’s GP or pharmacist.
- what monitoring is required. For example, is the GP informed if the person frequently asks for indigestion remedies?
- recording requirements (must be recorded on the MAR)
- stock monitoring to ensure that medicines / products remain within expiry dates and ordering requirements.
- the names of staff authorised to administer over the counter medicines / treatments.
Stocks of over-the-counter products for general use in the home / centre must be:
- stored in the original packaging. Information supplied with the product by the manufacturer must be retained.
- marked with the date of opening.
- administered only:
- as authorised by consent or a best interest decision
- from the original packaging as purchased
- in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the home or day centre’s procedures
