An antibiotic is to be sold by pharmacists without a prescription for the first time, the drugs regulator has announced. The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said chloramphenicol eye drops should be available over-the-counter. It said the antibiotic, used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, could be safely sold to the public. However doctors fear widespread use of antibiotics could increase resistance. The decision to reclassify chloramphenicol was made after holding a consultation period during which health professionals and the public could offer their views on the proposed change. The drug, sold as Optrex Infected Eye Drops, will be available from chemists later this month. The MHRA said making the drug directly available to those affected would speed up recovery because people would be able to access treatment without having to go to their doctor. Up to 2% of primary care consultations are for bacterial conjunctivitis.
