What should a pharmacist do if a scheduled drug is inappropriately ordered and there is no medical justification?

The correct action in this scenario is to report the incident. When a scheduled drug is ordered inappropriately without medical justification, it raises serious concerns about patient safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards in pharmacy practice. Reporting the incident ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to address the situation, which may include notifying the prescribing physician, facilitating an investigation into potential misuse, and preventing future occurrences.

The pharmacist has a professional and legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are used appropriately. Reporting allows for oversight and evaluation by relevant authorities, protecting both the patient and the integrity of the healthcare system.

In this context, while contacting the physician may also be important, the priority is to report the incident to ensure swift action can be taken, particularly since the inappropriate order could entail deeper systemic issues or misconduct.