Controlled drugs (CDs) are drugs that are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 [1] and subsequent regulations. CDs are classified into five schedules with different legal requirements [2]. Midazolam is a Schedule 3 CD and is the only CD that primary care dental practices are justified to stock. Midazolam can be used buccally as an emergency drug to treat patients with status epilepticus. It can also be used as a sedative by those who have been trained in the provision of conscious sedation.
Under the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2013 [3], Health Boards in Scotland are required to appoint a Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO) [4], who has overall accountability for ensuring that appropriate systems are in place for the safe management and use of CDs. Dental practices that stock midazolam for use in medical emergencies or for providing conscious sedation must comply with relevant legislation.
Additional information for dentists on handling controlled drugs has been produced by the UK Medicines Information Service [5].
Sources of information
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Controlled drugs and drug dependence. British National Formulary
- Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2013
- Safer Management of Controlled Drugs: Guidance on Strengthened Governance Arrangements HDL (2007) 12. Scottish Executive (pdf)
- How should dentists prescribe, store, order and dispose of controlled drugs? Medicines Q&A 178.3. (2016) UK Medicines Information