S0, S1, S4, S5 on medication – what the S means
What the S number printed on a South African medicine box means, from S0 to S8, and what it does not tell you about strength or dose.
The S stands for schedule
The S followed by a number on a South African medicine box is the product's schedule. S0 means general sale, S1 and S2 are pharmacy medicines, S3 and S4 are prescription-only, and S5 to S8 carry the highest controls. The number describes how tightly supply is controlled, not how strong the medicine is or how much you should take.
Each S number at a glance
- S0 – general sale. Can be sold by ordinary retailers, including supermarkets.
- S1 – pharmacy medicine. No prescription normally needed, but sold through a pharmacy.
- S2 – pharmacy medicine. No prescription normally needed, but a pharmacist must be involved in the sale and may ask questions.
- S3 and S4 – prescription only. An authorised prescriber must prescribe them and the pharmacy keeps a record.
- S5 and S6 – tighter controls on prescribing, dispensing and record-keeping.
- S7 and S8 – the highest control levels; exact requirements depend on the current SAHPRA schedules.
The same ingredient can carry a different S number in a different strength, pack size or form. Read the number on the exact box in your hand rather than assuming it matches another product.
Read the label in the right order
- Find the active ingredient and strength first.
- Note the S number to understand how the product may be supplied.
- Follow the dose and frequency on the dispensing label or leaflet – never the S number.
- Ask a pharmacist if the label is unclear or two boxes seem to contain the same ingredient.
A low S number is not a safety guarantee
Common questions
- What does S5 mean on medication?
- S5 means the medicine is in Schedule 5, one of South Africa's higher-control schedules. It is prescription-controlled with tighter record-keeping. It does not describe the dose or strength.
- What does S4 mean on medication?
- S4 means Schedule 4, a prescription-only schedule. A prescriber must prescribe it and the pharmacy keeps a record of the supply.
- What does S1 mean on medication?
- S1 means Schedule 1, a pharmacy medicine. It does not normally need a prescription but is supplied through a pharmacy.
- What does S0 mean on medication?
- S0 means Schedule 0, general sale. These products may be sold by ordinary retailers under the conditions of their listing.
Sources
- Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, and SAHPRA scheduling guidanceSouth African Health Products Regulatory Authority
- Medicines Online Directory and approved patient information leafletsSouth African Health Products Regulatory Authority
- Poisons Information Helpline guidanceTygerberg and Red Cross Poisons Information Centres
Sources last checked 6 October 2026.