Selected items from the News and Latest Additions sections of www.palliativedrugs.com, the world’s leading palliative care website.
Drug updates
ACMD recommends reclassifying ketamine
The UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has recommended that ketamine be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class B substance (currently Class C) and that there should be a consultation on reclassifying ketamine as Schedule II of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (currently Schedule 4 part 1). This is based on the evidence of chronic bladder and urinary tract toxicity. The government minister for crime prevention has accepted these recommendations. For more information, see the links below.
Phosphate enema new contra-indication
The UK SPC for Fleet Ready-to-use Enema (phosphate enema) has been updated to include a new contra-indication in patients with clinically significant renal impairment (not defined). In addition, precautions added include; conditions predisposing to dehydration, or drugs that may decrease GFR, affect electrolyte levels, prolong QT interval, affect renal perfusion or function, or hydration status.
NICE evidence summary of oral ketamine for chronic pain
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its evidence summary (ESUOM27) for the unauthorized (unlicensed)/off-label use of oral ketamine for chronic pain.
Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock