Daily Current Affairs : 19-December-2023
The recent revelation of Matthew Perry’s autopsy report, attributing his death to the “acute effects of ketamine,” has triggered discussions on the use of this medication, prompting a closer examination of its properties and regulatory status in India.
About Ketamine:
Ketamine, also known as Ketalar, serves as a medicinal substance employed by doctors to induce anesthesia and manage pain during surgical procedures. Derived from Phencyclidine (PCP), a hallucinogenic drug, ketamine operates by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain and spinal cord, thereby increasing the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Medical Applications:
- Classified as a dissociative anesthetic with psychedelic properties.
- Used strictly under medical supervision for anesthesia.
- Employed in treating various conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, and substance abuse issues.
Impact on the Body:
- Induces hallucinations and distorts sight and sound perceptions.
- Leads to a sense of disconnection and loss of control.
- Can result in unconsciousness and memory loss.
Regulatory Status in India:
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule X drug in India, subjected to stringent control and monitoring on a case-specific basis by the prescribing doctor.
Schedule X Drugs:
- Categorized as “restrictive drugs” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.
- Encompasses over 536 pharmaceutical substances.
- Includes Narcotic and Psychotropic drugs known to induce effects such as delusion, hallucination, psychosis, sedation, and hypnosis.
Prescription Requirement:
- Sale of Schedule X drugs strictly regulated and permitted only through a prescription.
- Prescriptions must be issued by a registered medical practitioner, emphasizing the importance of professional medical oversight.
Control Measures:
- Classification under Schedule X signifies a high level of regulatory control and monitoring.
- Aims to ensure responsible dispensing and usage under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
Purpose of Schedule X:
Schedule X aims to strike a balance, making certain medications available for therapeutic use while preventing their misuse or potential harm due to their psychotropic or narcotic nature. This regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of professional oversight and responsible use in the healthcare sector.
Important Points:
- Ketamine Basics:
- Medicinal substance used for anesthesia and pain management in surgeries.
- Derived from Phencyclidine (PCP) and operates by blocking the NMDA receptor.
- Increases the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
- Medical Applications:
- Classified as a dissociative anesthetic with psychedelic properties.
- Used under strict medical supervision for anesthesia.
- Employed in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and substance abuse.
- Impact on the Body:
- Induces hallucinations, distorts sight and sound perceptions.
- Leads to a sense of disconnection and loss of control.
- Can result in unconsciousness and memory loss.
- Regulatory Status (India):
- Classified as a Schedule X drug.
- Stringent control and monitoring on a case-specific basis by the prescribing doctor.
- Schedule X Drugs Overview:
- Categorized as “restrictive drugs” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.
- Encompasses over 536 pharmaceutical substances.
- Includes Narcotic and Psychotropic drugs inducing effects like delusion, hallucination, psychosis, sedation, and hypnosis.
- Prescription Requirement:
- Sale strictly regulated, permitted only through a prescription.
- Prescriptions must be issued by a registered medical practitioner, highlighting the need for professional medical oversight.
- Control Measures:
- Classification under Schedule X indicates a high level of regulatory control.
- Aims to ensure responsible dispensing and usage under qualified healthcare professionals’ guidance.
- Purpose of Schedule X:
- Aims to balance therapeutic use with preventing misuse or harm.
- Emphasizes professional oversight and responsible use in the healthcare sector.
Why In News
Recently, the autopsy report for Matthew Perry, stating that the actor’s cause of death was the “acute effects of ketamine,” which has sparked concerns and questions about the use of this medication, underscores the need for heightened awareness and research into the potential risks associated with ketamine in various contexts.
MCQs about Ketamine and Schedule X in India
-
What is the primary function of Ketamine in medical settings?
A. Treatment of diabetes
B. Inducing anesthesia and managing pain during surgeries
C. Allergy relief
D. Cardiovascular disease prevention
-
What is the regulatory status of Ketamine in India?
A. Schedule A
B. Schedule B
C. Schedule X
D. Over-the-Counter (OTC)
-
What is the purpose of Schedule X in India’s regulatory framework?
A. Encouraging unrestricted access to medications
B. Ensuring responsible dispensing and usage of psychotropic drugs
C. Promoting self-medication
D. Minimizing professional oversight
-
What effects can Ketamine induce on the human body?
A. Increased intelligence
B. Improved memory
C. Hallucinations and distorted perceptions
D. Enhanced physical strength
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