§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice is given to medical practitioners on the use of, and contra-indications in respect of the drug Doriden, manufactured by Ciba-Geigy.
§ Dr. VaughanThe product data sheet, which is available to all doctors, contains advice on the uses of and contra-indications for Doriden. It is recommended for the treatment of insomnia—including disturbed and restless sleep. It is also indicated for use as a daytime sedative, pre- and post-operative sedative, and a sedative during early labour.
Doriden is contra-indicated for use in patients hypersensitive to glutethimide—the active ingredient. The 177W data sheet also includes warnings that Doriden should be used with caution in epileptic patients; may cause drowsiness; potentiates the effect of certain other drugs—including alcohol; and, in common with all drug therapy, should not be used during pregnancy unless it is considered, by the physician, to be essential. There is also a warning that prolonged use may lead to the development of dependence and to toxic confusional states.