Posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 7:46:20
In reply to Re: opioids, posted by medhed on February 8, 2005, at 15:30:55
Hi,
>Is dihydrocodiene OTC in the UK?
In the UK, dihydrocodeine is available OTC in a medication called Paramol. Paramol contains paracetamol (acetaminophen) 500 mg and
dihydrocodeine tartrate 7.46 mg. Paramol tablets are schedule 5 in the UK.In the UK, dihydrocodeine is available as 30mg and 40 mg immediate release tablets. The 40mg tablets are called DF118 Forte. It is also available as DHC Continus, a modified release preparation which comes in 60mg, 90mg and 120mg tablets. These dihydrocodeine *tablets* are all schedule 5 in the UK.
Remedeine tablets contain 20mg dihydrocodeine/500mg APAP, Remedeine Forte tablets contain dihydrocodeine 30mg/500mg APAP. These dihydrocodeine *tablets* are all schedule 5 in the UK. ALL dihydrocodeine preparations require a prescription except Paramol.
Dihydrocodeine is also available as an oral solution containing dihydrocodeine tartrate 10 mg/5 mL. This oral solution is schedule 5.
*Pure* dihydrocodeine, and any dihydrocodeine preparation designed for injection is schedule 2 in the UK.
To summarise, dihydrocodeine is classified as a schedule 2 drug in the UK. However, many dihydrocodeine preparations are exempt from most of the controlled drug requirements and are classified under schedule 5. Most dihydrocodeine preparations are therefore subject to minimal control.
Under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, dihydrocodeine tablets are class B. When prepared for injection, dihydrocodeine is a class A drug
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:453574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050207/msgs/455320.html