South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common exemption from the Poison Prevention Packaging Act?

1. Nitroglycerin sublingual

2. All oral contraceptives

3. Aspirin bottles over 100 mg

4. Liquid prescription medications

The correct answer is: Nitroglycerin sublingual

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) was enacted to protect children from accidental poisonings and requires most household substances to be packaged in child-resistant containers. However, there are specific exemptions that allow certain drugs to be dispensed without such packaging due to their safety profiles or the nature of their use. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are specifically exempt from the requirements of the PPPA. This exemption is based on the fact that nitroglycerin is typically used in emergency situations for patients with angina, and the safety implications of requiring child-resistant packaging may outweigh the benefits. By not requiring child-resistant packaging for these tablets, it ensures that patients can access their medication quickly in critical circumstances without unnecessary barriers. In contrast, the other options are not commonly exempt from child-resistant packaging. Oral contraceptives, aspirin in high doses, and liquid prescription medications typically fall under the standard requirements outlined in the PPPA to ensure they are securely packaged to prevent accidental ingestion by children. These items are considered to potentially pose a risk if ingested by young children, thus requiring child-resistant packaging as a protective measure.