According to Saskatchewan Pharmacy Law, what is the schedule for acetaminophen in sustained release with greater than 50 units?

In Saskatchewan Pharmacy Law, acetaminophen in sustained release preparations containing greater than 50 units falls under Schedule 3. Schedule 3 drugs are those that can be sold without a prescription but are subject to certain restrictions and are generally considered to have a lower potential for abuse compared to more strictly regulated substances.

Products in this category can typically be purchased from a pharmacy’s self-selection area, but they still require some oversight to ensure consumers are choosing them appropriately. This regulation helps to balance access with the need for safe use, particularly in cases where higher doses of a medication could pose risks if misused.

In contrast, Schedule 1 includes prescription-only medications that require a licensed pharmacist to dispense, while Schedule 2 consists of drugs that are not prescription-only but are kept behind the pharmacy counter and require pharmacist intervention for sale. Unscheduled items have no such restrictions and can be sold in any retail setting without the direct oversight of a pharmacist. Therefore, recognizing acetaminophen with sustained release greater than 50 units as a Schedule 3 drug aligns with the intent of ensuring public safety while maintaining accessibility.