Standard Operating Procedure for Secure Storage and Handling of Restricted and Schedule Drugs
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Security |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/162/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/162/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 31/03/2025 |
Effective Date | 07/04/2025 |
Review Date | 31/03/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes guidelines for the secure storage, handling, and documentation of restricted and schedule drugs in compliance with regulatory standards such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all restricted and schedule drugs stored and handled within the warehouse. It covers the procedures for storage, access control, documentation, and audit requirements to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Handle and store restricted drugs according to this SOP. Ensure all documentation is accurate and report any discrepancies immediately.
- Warehouse Supervisor: Oversee secure storage and access, verify documentation, and conduct periodic checks for compliance.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Conduct audits, verify storage conditions, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Security Officer: Monitor access to restricted storage areas and maintain security protocols.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable
for ensuring secure storage and handling of restricted drugs. The QA Manager is responsible for verifying compliance through audits and documentation reviews. The Security Officer is responsible for access control and monitoring.
5. Procedure
5.1 Secure Storage Requirements
- Storage Area Specifications:
- Restricted and schedule drugs must be stored in dedicated, locked storage areas with restricted access.
- Storage areas should be constructed of durable materials and equipped with reinforced doors and tamper-evident locks.
- Install CCTV cameras for continuous surveillance of storage areas.
- Document storage specifications in the Restricted Drug Storage Log (Annexure-1).
- Temperature and Environmental Controls:
- Ensure that storage conditions meet the required temperature and humidity specifications as outlined in regulatory guidelines.
- Monitor environmental conditions daily and document them in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-2).
5.2 Access Control Procedures
- Authorized Personnel:
- Only authorized personnel, as listed in the Authorized Personnel List (Annexure-3), may access the restricted storage areas.
- Issue unique access credentials (keys, biometric access) to authorized personnel only.
- Access Log Maintenance:
- Maintain a detailed log of all entries and exits from the restricted storage areas in the Access Control Log (Annexure-4).
- Record the name, designation, time of access, and purpose of entry for each authorized person.
5.3 Handling Procedures for Restricted Drugs
- Receipt and Verification:
- Upon receipt, verify the quantity and condition of restricted drugs against the delivery documentation.
- Document the receipt in the Restricted Drug Receiving Log (Annexure-5).
- Inventory Management:
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all restricted drugs in the Restricted Drug Inventory Log (Annexure-6).
- Perform weekly inventory audits to ensure accuracy and detect discrepancies.
5.4 Disposal and Destruction of Restricted Drugs
- Disposal Authorization:
- Obtain written authorization from regulatory authorities before disposing of any restricted or expired drugs.
- Document disposal approvals in the Disposal Authorization Log (Annexure-7).
- Destruction Procedures:
- Ensure destruction is carried out in the presence of authorized personnel and follows environmentally safe methods.
- Document destruction activities in the Drug Destruction Log (Annexure-8).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television
7. Documents
- Restricted Drug Storage Log (Annexure-1)
- Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-2)
- Authorized Personnel List (Annexure-3)
- Access Control Log (Annexure-4)
- Restricted Drug Receiving Log (Annexure-5)
- Restricted Drug Inventory Log (Annexure-6)
- Disposal Authorization Log (Annexure-7)
- Drug Destruction Log (Annexure-8)
8. References
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
- 21 CFR Part 1301 – DEA Regulations for Controlled Substances
- WHO Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices for Pharmaceutical Products
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
Annexure-1: Restricted Drug Storage Log
Date | Drug Name | Batch Number | Storage Location | Stored By |
---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Morphine Sulfate | MS-2025A | Secure Vault A | Ravi Kumar |
31/03/2025 | Fentanyl Citrate | FC-2025B | Secure Vault B | Neha Verma |
Annexure-2: Environmental Monitoring Log
Date | Storage Area | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | Checked By |
---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Secure Vault A | 20°C | 45% | Amit Joshi |
31/03/2025 | Secure Vault B | 19°C | 50% | Priya Singh |
Annexure-3: Authorized Personnel List
Name | Designation | Access Level | Access ID |
---|---|---|---|
Ravi Kumar | Warehouse Supervisor | Full Access | RK001 |
Neha Verma | QA Manager | Audit Access | NV002 |
Annexure-4: Access Control Log
Date | Name | Time In | Time Out | Purpose of Access |
---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Ravi Kumar | 09:00 AM | 09:30 AM | Inventory Check |
31/03/2025 | Neha Verma | 10:00 AM | 10:20 AM | Audit Review |
Annexure-5: Restricted Drug Receiving Log
Date | Drug Name | Batch Number | Quantity Received | Supplier | Received By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Morphine Sulfate | MS-2025A | 50 Vials | ABC Pharmaceuticals | Ravi Kumar |
31/03/2025 | Fentanyl Citrate | FC-2025B | 100 Vials | XYZ Pharma Ltd. | Neha Verma |
Annexure-6: Restricted Drug Inventory Log
Date | Drug Name | Batch Number | Quantity on Hand | Checked By |
---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Morphine Sulfate | MS-2025A | 50 Vials | Amit Joshi |
31/03/2025 | Fentanyl Citrate | FC-2025B | 100 Vials | Priya Singh |
Annexure-7: Disposal Authorization Log
Date | Drug Name | Batch Number | Quantity for Disposal | Authorized By | Regulatory Approval Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Morphine Sulfate | MS-2025A | 5 Vials (Expired) | QA Manager | NDPS/2025/1234 |
31/03/2025 | Fentanyl Citrate | FC-2025B | 10 Vials (Damaged) | QA Manager | NDPS/2025/5678 |
Annexure-8: Drug Destruction Log
Date | Drug Name | Batch Number | Quantity Destroyed | Destruction Method | Witnessed By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/2025 | Morphine Sulfate | MS-2025A | 5 Vials | Incineration | Ravi Kumar, Neha Verma |
31/03/2025 | Fentanyl Citrate | FC-2025B | 10 Vials | Chemical Neutralization | Amit Joshi, Priya Singh |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Implementation | QA Head |
31/03/2025 | 2.0 | Added Disposal and Destruction Documentation | Enhance Regulatory Compliance | QA Head |