Written question asked by Baroness Harman (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 1996. It was answered by John Bowis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What clinical guidelines have been issued on the prescribing of Temazepam capsules as opposed to Temazepam tablets.

Answer: Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what clinical guidelines have been issued on the prescribing of temazepam capsules as opposed to temazepam tablets.[21009] Mr. Bowis: In October 1995, issue No. of the chief medical officer's update, issued to all doctors in England, notified a ban on the national health service prescribing by general practitioners of the capsule formulation of temazepam from 1 January 1996 and advised on measures taken to increase controls over temazepam generally. The British National Formulary, No. 31 (March 1996) page 151, draws specific attention to the risks associated with the misuse of temazepam capsules. A copy of CMO's update and the British National Formulary have been placed in the Library. Temazepam tablets remain available to meet all clinical needs.

Secondary information