Introduction to Pharmacology: Drug Schedules

Instructor

• Dr. Bill Teal-Jones
• Professor at Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University

Overview

• Discussion on drug schedules, which are classification tools for drugs and substances.
• Based on medical use, potential for abuse, and dependency.
• National Schedule endorsed by NAPRA (National Association of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authorities).
• Consistent regulations across Canada.

Exclusions

• Narcotics and controlled substances regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, not NDS.

Health Canada's Role

• Evaluates product safety and efficacy.
• Approves health products for sale.
• Determines prescription requirements.
• Maintains the prescription drug list online.

NAPRA's Role

• Determines conditions for drug sale after Health Canada’s market authorization.

Drug Schedules

Schedule 1 Drugs

• Require a prescription for sale.
• Dispensed by a pharmacist after a professional diagnosis.
• Controlled in a regulated environment; guided by provincial pharmacy legislation.

Schedule 2 Drugs

• No prescription required but require professional pharmacist intervention at sale.
• Possible referral to a practitioner.
• Must be stored without public access.

Schedule 3 Drugs

• Available without prescription.
• Present risks to some populations in self-selection.
• Sold from self-selection areas under pharmacist supervision.

Unscheduled Drugs

• Sold without professional supervision.
• Can be sold at any retail outlet.
• Require clear labeling for safe and effective consumer choices.

Enforcement and Approval

• Health Protection Branch
  • Enforces drug legislation.
  • Receives new drug applications.
  • Conducts extensive drug investigations.
  • Assigns Drug Identification Numbers (DIN).

Drug Identification Numbers (DIN)

• 8-digit number on approved drugs.
• Ensures composition, dosage, and purity.

Exemptions

• Complementary, herbal drugs, and nutritional supplements do not require DIN.

Further Information

• More on complementary and herbal drugs in the next lecture.