What type of drugs must Connecticut pharmacies maintain a separate file for?

Connecticut pharmacies are required to maintain a separate file for C3 through C5 controlled substances and all other drugs. This regulation is in place to ensure proper organization and monitoring of various medication classes, aiding in compliance with state and federal laws.

Controlled substances are categorized into schedules (C1 to C5) based on their potential for abuse and medical use. While C2 drugs have their own strict regulations and requirements for record-keeping, C3 to C5 drugs are also considered controlled substances and need to be distinctly filed to ensure their handling aligns with regulatory standards.

Maintaining a separate file helps pharmacists quickly identify and access information regarding controlled substances, facilitating better management of inventory and adherence to legal obligations. This practice also helps ensure that proper records are maintained for the dispensing of these medications, which is crucial for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

In contrast, non-controlled drugs, including over-the-counter medications, do not have the same stringent filing requirements and are typically stored in a single file. This distinction is important for pharmacists to ensure that they are following state regulations properly.