Talk:Australian Drug Scheduling

Unscheduled

Some substances are unscheduled, these medications are usually considered extremely essential and safe

Some examples of unscheduled substances include:

• Paracetamol, 500mg or less & in packs of 24 or less
• Ephenidrine
• Antacids
• Hydroxymorphian
• Laxatives
• Eye drops
• Nicotine replacement substances, although some of these fall under Schedule 2

Schedule 1

There are no drugs listed under Schedule 1

Schedule 2

Schedule 2 drugs are Pharmacy Medicines and are substances that are-

• Available primarily in pharmacies
• Safe to use but guidance is available
• Are for minor sicknesses/symptoms that can be-
  • easily recognized by the consumer
  • do not require diagnosis

Examples of Schedule 2 drugs include:^[3]

• Dextromethorphan, commonly used in cough medicine as a suppressant
• Common analgesics such as Aspirin, Paracetamol, and Ibuprofen in packs of more than 24 tablets (packs containing less than 24 are unscheduled and can be sold anywhere)
• Hyoscine, used to treat vomiting, nausea and motion sickness
• Nasal sprays that contain decongestants and steroids

Schedule 3

Schedule 3 drugs are Pharmacy Only Medicines and are substances that are-

• Available only in pharmacies
• Safe to use but require professional advice
• Sicknesses/symptoms that can be identified by the customer but should be verified by the pharmacist
• Don't require a medical diagnosis

Examples of Schedule 3 drugs include:^[4]

• Pseudoephidrine, used in cold and flu medications and for the manufacture of Amphetamines such as Methamphetamine^[5]
• Orlistat (Xenical), drug used for treating obesity
• Salbutamol (Ventolin), drug commonly used for treating asthma

Schedule 4

Schedule 4 drugs are Prescription Only Medicines and are substances that-

• Are new substances and/or require further evaluation
• Are for sicknesses/symptoms that-
  • require professional control and monitoring
  • require professional diagnosis

The Australian Government can subsidize the price of Schedule 4 Drugs through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if the customer qualifies. Schedule 4 drugs can not be advertised to the general public.

Examples of Schedule 4 drugs include:^[6]

• Cannabidol, for therapeutic use containing 2 percent or less of other cannabinoids found in cannabis^[7]
• Codeine, when mixed with other medicines
• Ephidrine
• Fluticasone
• Isotretinoin
• Methoxyflurane
• Pseudoephidrine, in large doses
• Anti-psychotics

Schedule 5

Schedule 5 substances are listed as Caution and are identified as:

• having a low toxicity or concentration
• having a low to moderate hazard
• may cause minor adverse effects to the user under normal use
• require caution when handling, storing or using

Schedule 5 substances must have the right packaging and warning labels to show any of the above points^[8]

Majority of Schedule 5 substances are chemicals that can be dangerous when using or if consumed, examples include:^[9]

• Acetone
• Aspirin, for treatment of animals
• Boric Acid and Borax, except for when included in Schedule 4
• Methanol
• Methylated Spirits

Schedule 6

Schedule 6 substances are listed as Poison and are identified as:

• having moderate to high toxicity
• may cause serious injury or death if taken, inhaled or made contact with skin/eyes

Schedule 6 substances must have very distinctive packaging indicating very strong warnings, the packaging must also include safety instructions^[10]

Examples of substances listed under Schedule 6 include:^[11]

• Acetic Acid
• Alkaline Salts
• Hydrochloric Acid, in preparations containing more than 0.5% hydrochloric acid

Schedule 7

Schedule 7 drugs are Dangerous Drugs and are substances that-

• have high potential for harm at low exposure
• require precautions for manufacturing, handing or using; or
• only available to specialized and/or authorized people with appropriate skills

Special regulations may apply regarding their availability, possession, storage or use

Examples of Schedule 7 drugs include:^[12]

• Bromine
• Chlorine, excluding its salts/derivatives
• Cyanides
• Nicotine, except when in tobacco prepared for smoking

Schedule 8

Schedule 8 drugs are Controlled Drugs and are substances and preparations which are designed for human use that have a very high potential for abuse/addiction. It is a criminal offense to possess these drugs without authority

Much like Schedule 4 drugs, the price of Schedule 8 drugs can subsidized through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

In order for a doctor to prescribe a Schedule 8 drug, they need a S8 permit in their state/territory of practice.

Examples of Schedule 8 drugs include:^[13]

• Amphetamine
• Cannabis, when prepared for medicinal use^[14]
• Cocaine
• Codeine, when sold by itself
• Fentanyl
• Ketamine
• Lisdexamphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Morphine
• Opium
• Oxycodone^[15]

Schedule 9

Schedule 9 drugs are Prohibited Substances and must only be used for research purposes. Selling, distributing, manufacturing and using of drugs listed under Schedule 9 is strictly prohibited.

Examples of Schedule 9 drugs include:^[16]

• Cannabis, for any use other than listed under Schedule 8
• Coca leaf
• DMT
• Heroin
• LSD
• MDMA
• Mephedrone
• Phenibut^[17]