Drug Safety Update
Drugs and driving: blood concentration limits to be set for certain controlled drugs in a new legal offence, July 2014. See also the drugs and driving: the law government webpage for more details
October 2021: Chloral hydrate, cloral betaine (Welldorm): restriction of paediatric indication
NICE Guidance (see also drug-specific links below)
TA77 Guidance on the use of zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone for the short-term management of insomnia, April 2004
K&M PRCG Policy Recommendation: PR 2021-10: Melatonin for sleep disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, Aug 2021
Melatonin MR tablets are included in the formulary for "off label" use in the treatment of sleep disorders in children with conditions such as visual impairment, cerebal palsy, ADHD and learning difficulties. These tablets may be crushed and mixed with water, milk, yoghurt or fruit juice for administration; this gives an immediate release profile.
There is currently a review underway to consider update to the formulary listing and guidance for melatonin products given the availability of new licensed products.
MTW only: For the purposes of single dose prescriptions of melatonin for sleep EEG in children, melatonin tablets (Adaflex) may be dispensed.
NPPG Position Statement
December 2021: Off label use of Chloral Hydrate in the Management of Intrusive Movement and Motor Disorders in Children and Young People
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tablet | £1.50 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tablet | £1.44 |
| 30 tablet |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tablet | £23.42 |
| 500 tablet | |
| 7 tablet |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 250 tablet | |
| 28 tablet (2 x 14 tablets) | £31.88 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 120 tablet | |
| 21 tablet | |
| 30 tablet | £5.32 |
This formulation is unlicensed and is not for routine use - it may be prescribed in exceptional circumstances only e.g. if the 2mg MR tablets are unavailable following consultation with relevant medicines management leads.
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 ml | |
| 200 ml |
Used in paediatrics. The suppositories are only given when the oral route cannot be used
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 suppository | |
| 12 suppository |