Inclusion of Ketamine as Dangerous Drug

Preparations of ketamine prescribed by a licensed practitioner are exempt from the classification as dangerous drugs under certain conditions:
- Each vial of ketamine must not contain more than 50 mg/ml concentration, with a maximum volume of 10 ml per vial.
- A single prescription, filled by either a hospital or community drug store, may provide up to a maximum dosage of 1.5 grams.
- This dosage corresponds to no more than three (3) vials per day.
- The prescription's validity period cannot exceed thirty (30) days.

Ketamine is subject to strict regulatory and control measures akin to other dangerous drugs.
These controls are prescribed under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and the specific rules and regulations implemented by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Violation of the regulation concerning ketamine classification and control is grounds for filing appropriate criminal cases.
Administrative sanctions may also be applied as provided under RA 9165 and related Board regulations.
Both criminal and administrative penalties serve to enforce compliance.

The regulation becomes effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
It must also be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the UP Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.

The regulation was adopted by the Dangerous Drugs Board on 19 July 2005 following a recommendation from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and a public hearing.
Signed and attested by various representatives from the Departments of Health, Justice, National Defense, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, and Social Welfare and Development, as well as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The Dangerous Drugs Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, oversees enforcement and implementation.