Introduction

• Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Controlled Drugs are classified into five Schedules according to their therapeutic usefulness, need for legitimate access and potential for misuse. Schedule 1 drugs have the highest level of restriction, and Schedule 5 drugs have the least restriction.
• A veterinary surgeon has the authority to supply Schedule 2,3,4 and 5 Controlled Drugs. The Home Office can prevent veterinary practices from keeping Controlled Drugs if the practice is found to be non-compliant with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs

Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs

Schedule 4 Controlled Drugs

Schedule 5 Controlled Drugs

Prescription, supply, storage and destruction of Controlled Drugs

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) - Controlled Drugs: https://www.bsava.com/Resources/Veterinary-resources/Medicines-Guide/Controlled-drugs
• The Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/contents/made
• The Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) (2002): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2002/1/contents/made
• Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No.2) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/891): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/891/contents/made
• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) - Veterinary Medicines: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/veterinary-medicines/
• http://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-events/news/tramadol-added-to-list-of-controlled-drugs/
• https://www.gov.uk/controlled-drugs-recording-using-storing-and-disposal
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate - Controlled Drugs: http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/vmgn/VMGNote20.pdf