Page 14 - P4304.1-V114 PS Magazine October 2025 (print) 2
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Refresher training:
Essentials of handling
Controlled Drugs in
the dispensary
Controlled drugs (CDs) require 1. Understanding Controlled
particularly careful handling in Drug Schedules
the dispensary due to their Controlled drugs are classified into schedules
potential for misuse, dependence, under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001:
and diversion. The rules are set out
in the Misuse of Drugs
Regulations 2001. • Schedule 1 – No therapeutic use (e.g.,
LSD, cannabis in raw form) – not supplied
This refresher covers the key in dispensaries.
principles dispensers must follow • Schedule 2 – High potential for misuse
to ensure safety, security, and (e.g., morphine, oxycodone,
compliance with legal requirements. methylphenidate) – subject to safe
custody, full CD register recording, and
strict prescription requirements.
• Schedule 3 – Moderate risk (e.g.,
buprenorphine, temazepam) – safe
custody applies to some, but no CD
register entry needed.
• Schedule 4 – Lower risk (e.g., diazepam,
zolpidem) – no safe custody requirement.
• Schedule 5 – Low strength preparations
(e.g., codeine linctus) – minimal controls.
Caroline Pond Most Controlled Drug handling in a
dispensary focuses on Schedule 2 and
selected Schedule 3 medicines.
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