MFDS issues written warnings to 2,446 doctors who misused zolpidem and propofol

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on the 26th that it will implement a "pre-notification" system to notify in writing 2,446 doctors who prescribed the narcotics zolpidem and propofol beyond the safe usage standards.

The MFDS analyzed prescription big data collected over the past six months through the Narcotics Integrated Management System and identified 1,958 doctors who abused zolpidem and 488 doctors who abused propofol.

Propofol should not be administered alone regardless of surgery, procedure, or diagnosis, and even for simple procedures, it is advisable not to exceed once per month. Considering the potential for dependence and abuse, the treatment period for zolpidem should not exceed four weeks, and it must not be prescribed to patients under 18 years old. The daily prescription amount should be less than 10 mg.

Following the pre-notification, the MFDS will conduct a first follow-up observation from May to July over three months on the prescription and usage records of propofol and zolpidem for the 2,446 doctors who received the information.

If any of these doctors continue to excessively prescribe the narcotics without showing improvement, administrative measures will be taken to prohibit prescription and administration of the violating items after prior notification. For example, if a doctor continues to prescribe to patients under 18 years old after being notified of an "age item violation," the MFDS director will impose a "prohibition of prescription and administration to those under 18" measure for zolpidem.

If the doctor continues to abuse or misuse propofol or zolpidem thereafter, on-site monitoring will be conducted, and administrative sanctions such as suspension of narcotics handling duties will be imposed.

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