Medicines are classified into schedules under the national Poisons Standard, with each state enforcing its own rules.
- S2 Pharmacy Medicine: sold in pharmacies without a script (e.g. small packs of paracetamol, some antihistamines).
- S3 Pharmacist Only Medicine: needs pharmacist involvement, no script (e.g. emergency contraception, salbutamol inhalers).
- S4 Prescription Only Medicine: most drugs, including antibiotics.
- S8 Controlled Drug: drugs of dependence such as opioids (morphine, oxycodone), stimulants (dexamfetamine, methylphenidate) and some benzodiazepines like alprazolam. Strict storage, record-keeping and prescribing rules.
- S9 Prohibited Substance: e.g. heroin, available only for research.
In India, antibiotics and many S4 drugs are often bought over the counter. In Australia this is illegal, and patients expect a prescription and explanation for antibiotics, and often a discussion of why they do not need one.