§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make oral anti-histamines subject to poisons control, in view of the fact that some preparations are known to cause drowsiness.
§ Mr. George ThomasA number of anti-histamines are already included in Part I of the Poisons List and in the Seventh Schedule to the Poisons Rules. The effect is that proprietary preparations—of which there are about 50—which contain any of the listed substances may be sold only by a registered pharmaceutical chemist; and there are requirements as regards labelling. The Poisons Board has recently reviewed the control of anti-histamines and has recommended that all medicines made up ready for the internal treatment of human ailments which contain an antihistamine substance subject to poisons control should be labelled with the words "Caution: This may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive, or operate machinery". My right hon. Friend has accepted the recommendation and a Statutory Instrument is being prepared to give effect to it.