[Linnear]

To reply to both your questions:

1. When we refer to controlled drugs we usually mean drugs listed in schedules 2 and 3 of the misue of drugs regulations.

Sched 2 e.g. Diamorphine has to be locked in the CD cabinet, has to be
logged into and out of the CD register etc.

Sched 3 e.g. Temazepam are less restricted with no need for the register but are still tightly regulated and most are kept in the cupboard. Temazepam is a special case because you cannot they restricted the possibility of emergency supplies about 12 months ago

Schedule 4 e.g. Diazepam were not referred to as CDs at all by most people until the new drug regulations came in in July after the Shipman inquiry.


2. Analgesics are mostly OTC although some are POM.

Aspirin and Paracetamol are the ones you're thinking of with the pack sizes.
16 packs are GSL
32 packs are P meds
and we can sell up to 100 if we feel it's necessary. (Simple sign of how stupid the legislation is: We can sell 100 with only pack sizes of 16 and 32 available!)

Oh yeah, it's only Aspirin and paracetamol that are legislated for in this way, the Govt doesn't care if you want to top yourself with Ibuprofen or even Ferrous Sulphate because that doesn't make the news!

The other thing is that 16 packs are GSL so they are sold from garages and corner shops etc. >:-<