Controlled Drugs

Download the list of Controlled Drugs as per the Irish regulation:

(446KB)

The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 (as amended) regulate controlled drugs in Ireland. A controlled drug (CD) is any substance, product or preparation specified in the schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. CDs are divided into five schedules according to their potential for misuse and therapeutic usefulness. In addition, Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs that can be prescribed by a registered nurse prescriber for pain relief in hospitals are listed in Schedule 8 (inserted with 2007 amendment regulations).

Prescribing and Dispensing requirements for Schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs

• Prescriptions must specify, in the prescribers own handwriting: a) the name and address of the patient; b) the dose to be taken; c) the total quantity (in both words and figures) or if it is a preparation, the form, strength (where appropriate) and either the total quantity (in both words and figures) of the preparation or the number (in both words and figures) of dosage units.
• The prescription must be signed and dated by the prescriber.
• Prescriptions must also contain the name , address (except in the case of a health prescription), and telephone of the practitioner and detail the type of practitioner.
• Prescriptions must be dispensed no later than 14 days after the date on the prescription.
• Repeat prescriptions are not permitted. However, prescriptions may be prescribed and dispensed in instalments, if the practitioner specifies the amount of the instalment and the intervals at which the instalments is to be dispensed. No instalment may be supplied later than two months after the date specified on the prescription.
• Prescriptions cannot be faxed or sent electronically.
• The prescriber must be a registered practitioner with an address within the State.
• A pharmacist supplying a controlled drug must be satisfied as to the identity of the patient and the signature of the practitioner.
• Dispensed medication may only be supplied to the patient or to a bona fide representative of the patient.

Requisition requirement

• A practitioner who urgently requires a controlled drug for the purpose of their profession must provide a signed written requisition which states their name, address and occupation, the purpose for which the drug is required and the total quantity to be supplied.

Record keeping requirements

• A CD Register (in bound book form) complying with regulations must be used to record incoming and outgoing Schedule 2 controlled drugs.
• Records pertaining to all CDs must be retained for a minimum of two years, including registers, prescriptions (or copies of health prescriptions), requisitions , invoices etc.

Storage requirement

• All Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs must be stored in a locked fixed receptacle (safe or cabinet) which complies with the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations, 1982 (as amended) and which can only be opened by the person in lawful possession of the CD or a person authorised by that person.

Destruction requirement

• The destruction of Schedule 2 controlled drugs, that are the subject of a record, must be witnessed by an authorised person who must record that the list of drugs  have been destroyed and sign it.  Authorised persons are defined by law.