Every prescription medicine sold in India carries a schedule label — most commonly Schedule H, H1, X or G. These come from the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules 1945, administered by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). They decide who can sell the drug, what warning goes on the pack, and what the pharmacist has to write down. This guide explains each one in plain language, with the label wording and record-keeping duty for each.
Quick reference: the four schedules
| Schedule | What it covers | Common examples | Prescription | Pharmacy register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule H | Prescription-only medicine | Amoxicillin, Metformin, Atorvastatin, Amlodipine | Yes — RMP prescription required | No separate register |
| Schedule H1 | Restricted prescription-only (antibiotics, TB, habit-forming) | Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Rifampicin, Alprazolam, Tramadol | Yes — RMP prescription required | Yes — 3-year pharmacy register |
| Schedule X | Narcotic / psychotropic prescription-only | Morphine, Fentanyl, Ketamine, Barbiturates, Amphetamines | Yes — special prescription; original retained | Yes — 2-year register; original prescription retained |
| Schedule G | Substances requiring a caution label (mostly antihistamines / hypoglycaemics) | Metformin, Glimepiride, Chlorpheniramine, Insulin preparations | Not mandatory in every case, but usually dispensed on prescription | No separate register |
Source: Drugs & Cosmetics Rules 1945 (as amended), CDSCO circulars, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985.
Why the Rx symbol appears on the pack
The red Rx symbol is the visible signal that a product falls under Schedule H, H1 or X — a licensed pharmacist may only supply it against a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. It is a legal marking, not a manufacturer preference. On InfoMyMed we mirror that status with a Rx / OTC badge on every medicine page so you know before you walk into the pharmacy whether a script is required.
Schedule H vs Schedule H1 — what changed in 2013
Schedule H1 was carved out of Schedule H in March 2013 to address antimicrobial resistance and misuse of habit-forming drugs. It covers 46 molecules — third- and fourth-generation antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefixime), anti-TB drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid), and habit-forming agents (alprazolam, tramadol). Two visible differences from ordinary Schedule H:
- A red vertical band on the left margin of the label, in addition to the Rx symbol.
- The retailer must maintain a separate register for three years with the patient's name, prescriber's name, and quantity dispensed.
Schedule X — narcotics and psychotropics
Schedule X sits on top of the NDPS Act 1985 and covers a small list of high-abuse-potential drugs — morphine, fentanyl, ketamine, barbiturates, amphetamines. Manufacture, storage and retail sale each need a distinct licence. The pharmacist keeps the original prescription (not a copy) and records the sale for two years. Refills are not permitted; a fresh prescription is required every time.
Schedule G — the caution-label list
Schedule G is the older, less-strict list. It covers antihistamines and hypoglycaemics whose labels must warn "Caution: it is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision." Many Schedule G molecules (metformin, glimepiride, insulin) are also Schedule H, so in practice they are dispensed on prescription.
What this means for you at the pharmacy
- If the pack shows an Rx symbol or the words "Schedule H", carry a current doctor's prescription. Pharmacies can and do refuse otherwise.
- For a Schedule H1 antibiotic, expect the pharmacist to write down your details in a register — this is a legal duty, not a data grab.
- For a Schedule X drug, bring the original prescription; a photo or photocopy is not enough.
- For a Schedule G caution-label drug, follow the dose on the label and check the "except under medical supervision" warning before self-medicating.
Check the schedule of a medicine
Look up any Indian medicine to see its Rx / OTC status, salt, and the applicable schedule.
Browse medicinesReviewed per InfoMyMed Editorial Standards. This guide is informational and does not replace advice from a Registered Medical Practitioner or a licensed pharmacist.