Changes to the scheduling of tramadol
Due Date: June 12, 2019
Health Canada is proposing to change the scheduling of tramadol so that it is regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. Health Canada is seeking feedback on this proposal and CSHP will submit a response. Please tell us what you think.
At present, tramadol is regulated under the Food and Drug Act, despite being a synthetic opioid analgesic. Health Canada is proposing to amend Schedule 1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to include these substances:
“Tramadol (2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol), its salts, isomers and salts of isomers and the following derivatives of tramadol and the salts, isomers and salts of isomers of these derivatives:
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O-desmethyltramadol (3-[2[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol)
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N,O-didesmethyltramadol (3-[1-hydroxy-2-[(methylamino)methyl]cyclohexyl]-phenol)”
Amending the schedules is expected to increase surveillance of prescribing practices for tramadol, as well as give power to Canadian law enforcement agencies to take action in response to unauthorized activities with tramadol and related substances.
Send us your comments about this proposed change in scheduling by writing to practice@cshp.pharmacy.
Deadline to provide your comments is June 12, 2019.
Want to learn more? Click here.
Please see CSHP's response to the rescheduling of Tramadol here .
The discrepancy between the above closing date and submission of CSHP's letter is due to an error on the Government of Canada's consultation page with regard to the date.