Kratom as a popular product for self-treatment: An overview for pharmacists

Program Details

• Intended Audience:  This program is intended for pharmacists interested in kratom properties and care recommendations.
• Universal Activity Number: 0012-0000-24-021-H01-P
• Contact Hours: 4.0 Consultant Recertification/General hours of ACPE continuing education for pharmacists
• Program Fees: 
  • Regular Registration: $65.00
  • UF Preceptor/Career Coach: $55.00
  • UF COP Faculty: $45.00
• UAN Release Date: 09/12/2024
• UAN Expiration Date: 09/12/2027
• Activity Type: Application
• Program Support: No outside financial support was provided.
• Format Type: This course is self-paced, fully online.
• Time to Complete: All coursework must be completed within 24 weeks from the date of registration or before date of UAN expiration, 09/12/2027, whichever comes first. This course will no longer be eligible for CE credit after 09/12/2027.

Summary

Over the past decade, products derived from the leaves of the Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) tree have gained popularity in the US. The leaf preparations, native to countries in Southeast Asia, are estimated to be used by 2-15 million users in the US alone, often in combination with other supplements, over the counter and prescription drugs (Henningfield et al., 2022). Kratom products are reported to be used for a range of self-treatment options including pain, mental disorders, mitigation of drug withdrawal symptoms, and mood elevation in general (Swogger et al. 2022). Most clinical practitioners, including pharmacists, are not knowledgeable about kratom products and not well equipped to counsel patients.

To address this deficiency, the “Kratom as a popular product for self-treatment: An overview for pharmacists” course will provide practicing pharmacists with an overview of kratom’s known pharmacology, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and use patterns. This includes potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions and current patterns of use and related pharmacological evidence to support such uses. In addition, kratom products vary in composition including raw leaf material, hydroalcoholic extracts, and isolated compounds and the course will provide participants with an understanding of differences between such products.

Given that a majority of kratom users do report pre-existing conditions and, in many cases, receive pharmacotherapy, the course will emphasize the counseling points to benefit patient care.

This course is approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy for 4.0 contact hours to meet requirements pursuant to CHAPTER 64B16-26, Florida Statutes and Rule 64B16-26.300, Florida Administrative Code.