Parenteral preparations of Diphenhydramine are classified under which schedule?

Diphenhydramine, when issued in parenteral formulations, is classified as a Schedule 2 drug in Saskatchewan. This classification indicates that it is available for purchase only from pharmacies and requires professional supervision for safe use. Schedule 2 drugs can only be sold or dispensed by a pharmacist or under their supervision; patients must consult with a pharmacy professional to understand proper usage, potential contraindications, and side effects.

This scheduling is particularly important for parenteral preparations due to the need for more stringent control over administration and monitoring for adverse reactions when medications are administered via injections. Other schedules, such as Schedule 3 or Schedule 4, pertain to over-the-counter medications or drugs that do not require as rigorous oversight, making them less stringent than Schedule 2. In contrast, unscheduled medications do not require a prescription or pharmacy supervision, which would not apply to the parenteral form of Diphenhydramine. Understanding this classification helps pharmacists ensure safe and effective medication use in patients.