PEBC MCQ Canadian Pharmacy Law & Regulation question: Narcotic Control Regulations definition of a verbal prescription narcotic

PEBC MCQCanadian Pharmacy Law & Regulation

A physician phones in four prescriptions. Under the Narcotic Control Regulations' definition of a 'verbal prescription narcotic', which one may the pharmacist accept verbally (outside any temporary exemption)?

a. Codeine 30 mg single-ingredient tablets
b. Morphine 10 mg immediate-release tablets
c. Codeine 30 mg/acetaminophen 300 mg/caffeine 15 mg tablets
d. Oxycodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg tablets, a combination product

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: c. Codeine 30 mg/acetaminophen 300 mg/caffeine 15 mg tablets

A verbal prescription narcotic is a preparation containing one narcotic plus two or more non-narcotic medicinal ingredients in a recognized therapeutic dose, not intended for parenteral use, and excluding products containing diacetylmorphine, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone or pentazocine. Codeine with acetaminophen and caffeine qualifies. Oxycodone combinations are excluded by name, and single-ingredient narcotics require a written prescription. Source: Narcotic Control Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1041), s. 2(1) definition of 'verbal prescription narcotic' (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca, checked 13 Oct 2026).

Common mistake

Assuming any combination narcotic can be taken verbally.

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