Alberta follows the National Drug Schedule system.

This puts drugs into 4 categories. Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3, and No Schedule (unscheduled).

Can an Alberta pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in Alberta?

Yes, a pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics in Alberta, as these are considered Schedule 1 drugs.

In fact, a pharmacist can prescribe almost any drug in Alberta, as long as it is not a drug regulated by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Some controlled drugs include narcotics, anabolic steroids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.

Source: Alberta College of Pharmacy

What are the Drug Schedules in Canada?

Designed and regulated by Health Canada, there are 4 groupings of drugs that are categorized as Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3, and No Schedule (unscheduled):

Schedule 1: Drugs that require a prescription for sale and are provided to the public by the pharmacist following the diagnosis and professional intervention of a practitioner.

The sale is controlled in a regulated environment as defined by provincial pharmacy legislation.

Schedule 2: While less strictly regulated, do require professional intervention from the pharmacist at the point of sale and possibly referral to a practitioner.

While a prescription is not required, the drugs are available only from the pharmacist and must be retained within an area of the pharmacy where there is no public access and no opportunity for patient self-selection.

Schedule 3: May present risks to certain populations in self-selection. Although available without a prescription, these drugs are to be sold from the self-selection area of the pharmacy which is operated under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, subject to any local professional discretionary requirements which may increase the degree of control.

Such an environment is accessible to the patient and clearly identified as the “professional services area” of the pharmacy. The pharmacist is available, accessible and approachable to assist the patient in making an appropriate self-medication selection.

Unscheduled Drugs: Can be sold without professional supervision. Adequate information is available for the patient to make a safe and effective choice and labeling is deemed sufficient to ensure the appropriate use of the drug.

These drugs are not included in Schedules I, II or III and may be sold from any retail outlet.

Source: National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA)

Can a Pharmacist Diagnose in Alberta?

Yes, a pharmacist can diagnose many minor every day ailments, such as cold and flu, or symptoms related to previously known issues. For very severe ailments, you should see a doctor.

In Summary

• An Alberta pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics in most cases.
• Pharmacists can prescribe any drug in general that is legal and not a controlled drug or substance.