Which statement about color coding of ophthalmic drops is true?

Which statement about color coding of ophthalmic drops is true?

• A. Steroid drops have pink or pink/white caps
• B. Dilation drops have pink caps
• C. Steroid drops have red caps
• D. Dilation drops have green caps

Answer: (A)

Color coding of ophthalmic drops uses cap color to signal the drug class and help prevent dispensing errors. In many common conventions, steroid eye drops are identified by pink or pink-with-white caps. This visual cue makes it easier to recognize a steroid drop at a glance, which is important because steroids have specific indications and potential risks (such as effects on healing and intraocular pressure) that require careful use. Therefore, the statement that steroid drops have pink or pink/white caps is true in this widely used scheme. Other color associations—such as dilation drops being pink, steroids being red, or dilation drops being green—do not fit this common pink-cap convention. Of course, color coding can vary by brand, so always check the actual label on the bottle.

Color coding of ophthalmic drops uses cap color to signal the drug class and help prevent dispensing errors. In many common conventions, steroid eye drops are identified by pink or pink-with-white caps. This visual cue makes it easier to recognize a steroid drop at a glance, which is important because steroids have specific indications and potential risks (such as effects on healing and intraocular pressure) that require careful use. Therefore, the statement that steroid drops have pink or pink/white caps is true in this widely used scheme. Other color associations—such as dilation drops being pink, steroids being red, or dilation drops being green—do not fit this common pink-cap convention. Of course, color coding can vary by brand, so always check the actual label on the bottle.