Ghana Drug Schedule Reference

Understanding Ghana's drug scheduling is essential for pharmacy compliance.

8.1 Class A Part I — Prescription Only

• Requires a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner
• Must be dispensed by a pharmacist or under pharmacist supervision
• Records must be maintained

Examples: Antibiotics (some), hormonal preparations, certain cardiovascular drugs

8.2 Class A Part II — Narcotic/Controlled Substances

• Strictest controls
• Requires prescription from a registered medical practitioner
• Must be dispensed by a qualified pharmacist only
• Quantity limits enforced
• Full audit trail required (dispensing log + controlled substance register)
• Requires separate dangerous drugs record

Examples: Morphine, codeine, tramadol, diazepam

8.3 Class B — Pharmacy Only

• Can be sold without prescription but only from a pharmacy
• Dangerous drugs record must be maintained
• Cannot be sold in general retail stores

Examples: Some analgesics, certain cough preparations, some antihistamines

8.4 Class C — Over the Counter

• Can be sold by licensed chemical sellers
• No prescription required
• No special record keeping

Examples: Paracetamol, antacids, some vitamins

8.5 Exempted — General Sale

• No restrictions on sale
• Available in any retail outlet

Examples: Simple antiseptics, oral rehydration salts

---