Hello Sheila. Is not dating when creams and eye drops are opened a medication error?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Barbara,

This is a very important question.

The pharmacist should date the cream or eye drops on the date he/she dispensed the cream or eye drops.

As you say the cream, lotion or eye drops should also be dated when they are used for the first time and in a care home this information should be part of a regular audit trail.

Failure to do this would be seen to be a medication error and I have seen this error reported in many inspection reports.

There should be a clear understanding in the care home of the length of time the cream, lotion or eye drops can be used for. For eye drops it is normally one month although I would always advocate asking the pharmacist.

Best wishes.

Sheila

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