§ 53. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Health whether he has studied the claims contained in the advertisement of a proprietary drug, particulars of which have been sent to him; what is its composition; whether it is to be included in "Prescriber's Notes"; what equivalent preparation of a non-proprietary nature is already included in "Prescriber's Notes"; and at what cost.
§ Mr. VosperYes. 50 milligrammes of caffeine per tablet. The preparation has been noted for inclusion in the list of preparations advertised to the public which doctors have been asked not to prescribe. A standard drug of similar therapeutic effect is included in the British Pharmaceutical Codex, retail price 11½d. for 25 tablets, and I am advised that its clinical use is small and diminishing.
§ Mr. EdelmanWhilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that this so-called "pep-up" drug is retailing at 2s. 6d. per phial? Is it not undesirable that this drug should be available indiscriminately, even to children, without prescription? Are there not certain social—quite apart from physical—dangers arising from the promiscuous use of this drug?
§ Mr. VosperI understand that the drug is not harmful and that in fact the effect of one tablet is about equivalent to that of a cup of tea or coffee. I agree that on social grounds it is undesirable, and for that reason it has been included in the list of drugs which should not be prescribed.