Which of the following correctly identifies the medico-legally important Schedule H1 drug category in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940?
- A Over-the-counter drugs that can be sold without prescription
- B Drugs of abuse requiring narcotic prescription under NDPS Act, 1985
- C Prescription-only drugs with high abuse potential (e.g., alprazolam, tramadol) requiring special prescription with prescriber details retained for 2 years ✓
- D Hospital-dispensed cytotoxic agents requiring institutional purchase order only
Explanation
Schedule H1 was introduced in 2013 as an amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. It covers high-risk prescription drugs with significant abuse potential — including third-generation antibiotics, certain anti-TB drugs, and psychotropic agents such as alprazolam and tramadol. Pharmacists must maintain a special register with prescriber name, registration number, patient details, and quantity dispensed, retained for 2 years. This is distinct from NDPS Schedule narcotics and from ordinary Schedule H drugs that require a simple prescription without the enhanced record-keeping obligation.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.