Controlled Drugs Flashcards
What are controlled drugs?
A drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction
Have potential to result in physical or psychological dependency
May have no therapeutic value
What legislations cover controlled drugs?
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001(secondary)
Controlled Drug Guidance from RCVS consolidates legislation
How many schedules of controlled drugs are there?
5 Schedules
Which schedule has the most controls?
Schedule 1
Schedule 1 Meaning
No current therapeutic use
Possession and supply requires Home Office permission
No Veterinary Drugs Included
Schedule 2 Meaning
Have Therapeutic use but are highly addictive
Subject to restrictions
Prescription, storage, destruction and record keeping
Schedule 2 Examples
○ Methadone
○ Morphine
○ Fentanyl
○ Pethidine
○ Quinalbarbitone
○ Ketamine
○ Etorphine
Schedule 2 Storage
○ Kept in locked cabinet in lockable room
Phenobarbital is the exception
Must be recorded in Register
Schedule 2 Destruction
Must be witnessed by:
VMR inspector
□ Veterinary Medicines Regulations Inspector
CDLO
□ Control Drugs Liaison Officer
Independent MRCVS (not the same practice)
Must be recorded in Control Drugs Register - witness must also sign
Schedule 3 Meaning
Have Therapeutic use but mis(use) may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence
Subject to restrictions
Prescription and sometimes storage
Schedule 3 Examples
○ Buprenorphine
○ Tramadol
○ Gabapentin
○ Pregabalin
○ Midazolam
○ Pentobarbitone
Schedule 3 Storage
○ Buprenorphine, Diethylpropion, flunitrazepam and temazepam must be kept in a locked cabinet
○ No need to record use
○ RCVS advise all schedule 3 drugs to be kept in locked cabinet
Schedule 4 Meaning
Therapeutic use but mis(use) may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence
No additional controls
Schedule 4 Examples
□ Alprazolam
□ Diazepam
□ Nandrolone
□ Clenbuterol
□ Somatotropin
Schedule 5 Meaning
Contain such small quantities of substances which may cause dependence that the potential for abuse is considered extremely low
No additional controls
Example:
○ Paracetamol with codeine (Pardale-V)
