THE DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT – SCHEDULES RELATED TO POISON

THE DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT – SCHEDULES RELATED TO POISON

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 was enacted by the Government of India to regulate the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics.

• It ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, including poisonous substances.

• Certain Schedules under this Act are specifically related to poisonous substances, and these are critical for toxicology and forensic medicine.

RELEVANT SANSKRIT REFERENCES

• Charaka has emphasized the knowledge of poisons in medical practice:
  "विषज्ञो भिषगुत्तमः"
  (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 1/120)
  "A physician who knows the science of poison is the best among all."

• Sushruta highlights the importance of protection from poisons:
  "विषप्रयोगं न कुर्यात् आत्मनं च परं तथा।"
  (Sushruta Samhita, Kalpasthana 8/28)
  "One should neither administer poison to oneself nor to others."

SCHEDULES RELATED TO POISON IN DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT

SCHEDULE E1

• Deals with list of poisonous substances used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) medicines.

• Includes herbs and metals that are potentially toxic in raw form.

• Example: Aconitum ferox (Vatsanabha), Abrus precatorius (Gunja), Strychnos nux-vomica (Kuchila)

• Usage is restricted only after proper Shodhana (purification) procedures.

MODERN CORRELATION:

• Similar substances are discussed in modern toxicology as plant poisons (e.g., Aconite, Nux vomica, etc.)

• Improper purification or overdose may result in neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or death.

SCHEDULE G

• Lists drugs that must be taken under medical supervision.

• These drugs have potent pharmacological effects and potential toxicity.

• Label must carry: “Caution: It is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision.”

Examples:

• Hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone

• Psychotropic agents

MODERN CORRELATION:

• These drugs may cause systemic toxicity, endocrine disorders, or organ damage if misused.

• Important in forensic toxicology to determine misuse or overdosage.

SCHEDULE H

• Contains a list of prescription drugs which are sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

• Many drugs are toxic at high doses or without monitoring.

• Label carries warning: “Rx – Schedule H drug – To be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only.”

Examples:

• Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin

• CNS drugs: Diazepam, Phenytoin

MODERN CORRELATION:

• Misuse can lead to toxicity, drug resistance, CNS depression, or death.

• Common in cases of accidental or suicidal poisoning.

SCHEDULE H1

• A subcategory of Schedule H with stricter control, to prevent misuse and resistance.

• Records of sale and identity of the purchaser must be maintained.

• Mandatory warning on label about misuse, addiction, and resistance.

Examples:

• Anti-TB drugs: Rifampicin, Isoniazid

• Narcotics and sedatives: Alprazolam, Tramadol

MODERN CORRELATION:

• Misuse may cause hepatic toxicity, neuropsychiatric effects, or dependency.

• Forensic experts monitor these in poisoning and drug abuse cases.

SCHEDULE X

• Involves narcotic and psychotropic substances.

• Stringent rules for storage, record keeping, and licensing.

• Retail sale is highly restricted.

Examples:

• Amphetamines, Barbiturates

• Morphine, Cocaine

MODERN CORRELATION:

• Frequently involved in drug abuse, overdose, and criminal cases.

• Forensic tests often involve urine drug screening and blood toxicology panels.

IMPORTANT FORENSIC & TOXICOLOGICAL POINTS

• Toxicological analysis in medico-legal cases often includes screening for drugs under these Schedules.

• Knowledge of these schedules is essential for:

  • Legal compliance by practitioners

  • Accurate medico-legal reporting

  • Preventing accidental and intentional poisoning

• Autopsy findings and chemical analysis reports often correlate with drugs under these Schedules.

KEY AYURVEDIC CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO TOXIC DRUGS

• Visha (poison) is described under Agada Tantra, including types, symptoms, and management.

• Upavisha (semi-poisons) like Gunja, Langali, and Bhallataka are used in therapeutics with caution.

• Shodhana is mandatory before administration to reduce toxicity.

Sloka from Ashtanga Hridaya (Uttarasthana 35/1):
"विषं तु विविधं दृष्टं तद्वशाद्भिषगुत्तमः।
प्रयोज्यं प्रयतश्चैव रोगे रोगहरं परम्॥"
"There are various types of poisons, but a wise physician can utilize them skillfully as potent therapeutic agents when purified and properly administered."