Background Prescriptions for controlled drugs are subject to prescription requirements as per UK Department of Health guidance (June 2006). A Pharmacist is not allowed to dispense a Controlled Drug unless all the information required by law is given on the presrciption.

Aim

1. To analyse prescription practice in the department.

2. To analyse different formulations of Methylphenidate and Melatonin prescribed.

Methods Retrospective audit. All prescriptions between October 2011 and January 2012 analysed. Prescriptions compared against the standards given in British National Formulary (2011).

Results

• Total prescriptions - 212

• Controlled Drug prescriptions (methylphenidate) - 119

• Melatonin prescriptions - 75

• Incorrect prescriptions - 66 (55.5%)

Conclusions and Recommendations Most of the incorrect prescriptions were due to the form of the drug (tablets or capsules) not being specified.

Physicians made aware of the guidelines on prescribing controlled drug.

Re-Audit in 6 months.