Consultation: Categorization of antimicrobial drugs based on importance in human medicine

Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) sought comments on proposed revisions to its Categorization of Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Importance in Human Medicine. The purpose of this document is to provide an updated antimicrobial categorization that reflects Canadian approvals of antimicrobial drugs and the international landscape. This document is used by the VDD to assist in the regulation of veterinary antimicrobial drugs in Canada and provides the list of medically important antimicrobials in conjunction with Health Canada's List A, to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance from their use in animals.

Since 2004 Health Canada has categorized antimicrobials based on their importance in human medicine. Antimicrobial categorization is complex and dynamic, categories can change as new science, drugs or usage patterns emerge. The purpose of this consultation was to gather general feedback on the updated ranking of antimicrobials and to understand the potential impacts of these changes.

Who was the focus of this consultation

Health Canada engaged with:

• Industry
• Academia
• Health professionals (human and veterinary)
• Food animal producers
• Veterinary associations
• General public
• Other interested parties

What happens after consultation

Health Canada's VDD appreciated the feedback provided with respect to revisions on the Categorization of Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Importance in Human Medicine.

We will consider all comments received and address any concerns before finalizing the revisions to the Categorization of Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Importance in Human Medicine.

Related information

• Categorization of Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Importance in Human Medicine (2009)
• List A: List of certain antimicrobial active pharmaceutical ingredients

Contact us

Veterinary Drugs Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
E-mail: vdd.hsd-dih.dmv@hc-sc.gc.ca