Schedules of Drug and Cosmetic Act

Schedules of Drug and Cosmetic Act

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is an Indian law that regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India. The Act divides drugs into different schedules based on their potential for harm and abuse, and regulates their import, manufacture, and sale accordingly.

The following are the schedules of drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act:

1. Schedule H: Drugs in this schedule are prescription drugs and can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. These drugs include antibiotics, painkillers, and certain other drugs that have a potential for abuse.
2. Schedule H1: Drugs in this schedule are prescription drugs that have a higher potential for abuse and addiction than Schedule H drugs. These drugs include narcotic analgesics and psychotropic drugs.
3. Schedule X: Drugs in this schedule are prescription drugs that have a very high potential for abuse and addiction. These drugs include strong painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants, and can be sold only on a special prescription form that is issued by a registered medical practitioner with a license to prescribe Schedule X drugs.
4. Schedule G: Drugs in this schedule are general sale drugs that can be sold without a prescription. These drugs include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as antacids, cough syrups, and vitamins.
5. Schedule K: Drugs in this schedule are veterinary drugs and are regulated separately from drugs used for human consumption.

The Schedules of Drug and Cosmetic Act are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they reflect current medical and regulatory requirements. The purpose of these schedules is to ensure that drugs are used safely and appropriately, and to prevent their misuse and abuse.

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