How old do you have to be in the Uk to buy over-the-counter medicines?

Basically what the question says. Is there a specific age (eg: 16, 18....) or can anyone at any age get medicines from over-the-counter pharmacies (such as Boots). Thanks in advance.

Medicines that may be brought from a pharmacy or shop without a prescription such as painkillers, cough syrups and cold remedies are known as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
There is no legal age limit for buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The sale of an OTC medicine to a child is up to the judgment of the individual pharmacist. However, some pharmacy companies have may have policies that restrict sales to children.
There is no specific guidance from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) although they believe that the patient's and public's welfare and safety must be of the greatest importance.
However, most medicines for adults are also suitable for children aged 12 and over. A pharmacist must not sell an OTC medicine to a child for their use if it is not licensed for use in children of their age. For example, pseudoephedrine tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years old and so should not be sold to children under this age for their use.
In a few special cases, a medicine may be supplied to a child at the discretion of the pharmacist although not licensed for sale to children. For example, emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) is only licensed to be sold to a woman aged 16 years plus. However, in some areas, it may be supplied by a pharmacist to under- 16s by a special arrangement between the doctor and pharmacist.

I've gone to pick up some epilepsy tablets and asthma inhalers there once and as long as i showed them the prescription they said it was ok lol

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/art...

Fascinatingly on checking the literature I was amazed to find that there is no minimum age. With all the laws governing purchase of so may things this was indeed a surprise. There is a guideline suggesting they are not sold to children apparently under the age of 12 years, but it is not a legal requirement.

I can only assume that the issue has never produced any significant problems so that even this current, rule obsessed government has not needed to introduce legislation.

legally, there is no minimum age but most pharmacies will not sell certain medicines if you are or appear to be under 16.