Drug schedules

Alberta’s drug schedules are mostly aligned with and change according to the national drug scheduling model developed by NAPRA. NAPRA updates its listing/scheduling from time to time and it is important for pharmacy professionals to keep themselves up to date.

Exceptions exist due to the lists in the Scheduled Drugs Regulation or because of timing issues. The list of drugs that are Alberta exceptions to the national schedules is small.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (Natural Health Products)
Products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are no longer regulated as drugs and are considered natural health products, however, applicable requirements are set out in the Precursor Control Regulations. Single‑entity products must be kept behind the counter and sold by or under the supervision of a pharmacist, consistent with Schedule 2 storage and sale requirements but without Schedule 2 assessment or documentation obligations. Combination products may be available for self‑selection in the pharmacy when a pharmacist is present, consistent with Schedule 3 requirements, and must be secured when a pharmacist is not available. Sale of these products remains restricted to pharmacies only.

How do I search for a drug?

1. Search for the drug on the Alberta Exceptions list.
   • Alberta exceptions by Schedule (last updated April 13, 2018)
   • Alberta exceptions by Generic Name (last updated April 13, 2018)
   • If the drug is included on this list, you will know that it is scheduled differently in Alberta than in the national drug schedule.
2. If the drug is not included on the Alberta list, search the national drug schedules on the NAPRA website.
   • Some drugs do not appear on the national drug schedules because they were marketed before the creation of the schedules and/or no request has been made to the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC).
3. If the drug does not appear on the national drug schedules, search Health Canada’s Drug Product Database (DPD).
   • You can search by DIN, product name, generic name, or active ingredient.
   • When you search for a drug, this database will indicate whether the drug is on the Prescription Drug List  (Drugs which are on the Prescription Drug List and in the schedules to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are included in Schedule 1 of the Scheduled Drugs Regulation).

What if I need more information?

Please consult our guide, Understanding Alberta’s Drug Schedules.