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Over the Counter Medication Guidelines

Because numerous over the counter products may be utilized in the school setting for personal hygiene, skin care, first aid, as well as for therapeutic purposes, such products are identified in four general categories for the purposes of describing authorization to administer. Section 1 products are used without specific consent, and are provided by the school. Section 2 and 3 products are used with written parental consent only. Section 2 products are provided by the parent; Section 3 products are provided by the school. Section 4 refers to all other medication administration products which require both written parental and medical authorization prior to administration.

1. PRODUCTS FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION THAT MAY BE USED IN HEALTH OFFICES INTERMITTENTLY AT DISCRETION OF HEALTH SERVICES STAFF:

Note: the products listed below may or may not be available in individual health offices depending on the discretion of the School Nurse assigned to the building. Written parental consent is not required prior to use.

  • Skin Lotion
  • Dacriose or Isotonic saline eye solution
  • Deodorant
  • Sting-Kill Swabs
  • Vaseline
  • Generic “Triple” topical antibiotic
  • Aloe Gel
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (for tracheostomy care)
  • Hydrocortisone 1% topical (at the discretion of the School Nurse)
  • Topical diphenhydramine
  • Saline/Wetting solution for contact lenses

2. PRODUCTS THAT MAY BE USED AT PARENT REQUEST (INTERMITTENTLY OR CONTINUOUSLY)

Note: Parent provides supplies in original, labeled container. Parent also should provide signed written instructions for use of products.

  • Desitin ointment
  • Teething Gel
  • A&D ointment
  • Powders (talcum and/or medicated products)
  • Sunscreen
  • Orajel
  • Aquaphor ointment
  • Insect Repellent
  • Isotonic/Lubricating Opthalmic drops (nonprescription) i.e. “Artificial Tears”
  • Non-prescription antiseptic products not listed in Section 1, above.
  • Non-prescription cough drops

3. “FORMULARY PROJECT”: ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN IN PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Note: Parent provides written consent on LPS Formulary Permission Form.  Products are supplied by school district. Dose and indications per LPS formulary guidelines. For additional information, contact the School Nurse

4. PRODUCTS THAT REQUIRE BOTH WRITTEN PARENTAL CONSENT AND INSTRUCTIONS AND MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

Note: Parent provides supplies in original, labeled container. Parent also provides written instructions and consent for use of products. Medical prescription also required for use.

  • Any topical products not listed above, (e.g. anti-fungal ointments).
  • Any over-the-counter topical products not listed in Sections 1 or 2, above.
  • All other oral over-the-counter products not listed in Sections 1 or 2, above.

By Linda Biggerstaff 2:45 pm