Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) — the Kingdom’s national regulatory authority — enforces strict controls over medicines, narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other drugs in Saudi Arabia. This reflects the country’s commitment to public health and safety, combined with adherence to legal, cultural, and religious norms.

In recent years, especially as of late 2025, Saudi authorities have updated rules regarding import, export, possession, and use of medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances.

This article explores what “banned” or “controlled” medicines in Saudi Arabia truly means, outlines why some drugs are restricted, highlights recent changes affecting travellers, and presents a list of widely referenced medicines that are often flagged as prohibited or strictly regulated — with caveats.

Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or writing about health regulations, this can serve as a practical guide to understanding Saudi drug laws as of 2025.

List Of Banned Medicine In Saudi Arabia

1. Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam is a sedative used for anxiety and panic disorders. It is banned in Saudi Arabia due to its high potential for abuse, leading to addiction, overdose, and recreational misuse. Reports of illegal distribution and self-medication highlight serious health risks.

The drug can also cause withdrawal symptoms and mental health complications. Saudi authorities consider its recreational use a threat to youth safety. The SFDA ban ensures Alprazolam is only available under strict medical supervision.

2. Tramadol

Tramadol is a painkiller often misused for euphoric effects. It is banned due to high abuse potential, causing addiction, overdose, and black-market circulation. Hospitals report increasing cases of misuse-related complications.

The drug also causes withdrawal symptoms and long-term health issues. Saudi authorities restrict it to protect patients and prevent recreational abuse. The SFDA ensures Tramadol is only used safely in medical settings.

3. Codeine

Codeine, an opioid, is used for pain and cough. It is banned in Saudi Arabia because of addictive nature and overdose risks. Misuse, especially among youth, has led to serious health complications.

The SFDA prevents self-medication and illegal distribution. Restriction ensures that only medically necessary, supervised use is allowed. This reduces the risk of opioid-related emergencies.

4. Ephedrine

Ephedrine is a stimulant for asthma and congestion. It is banned due to misuse potential and as a precursor for illegal drugs like methamphetamine. Unsupervised use can cause cardiovascular issues and severe side effects.

The SFDA strictly controls its availability to prevent abuse and illegal drug production. The ban ensures Ephedrine is only used under professional medical supervision. Public safety and health are prioritized by this restriction.

5. Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant but is banned due to illegal drug synthesis risks. It can be misused to make methamphetamine, causing both health and legal issues. Abuse can lead to cardiovascular complications and strokes.

Saudi authorities restrict its circulation to prevent misuse. Prescription control ensures safe consumption for legitimate purposes only. This reduces criminal activities and health hazards.

6. Bromazepam

Bromazepam is a benzodiazepine for anxiety and insomnia. It is banned due to addiction and abuse potential, leading to dependency and withdrawal symptoms. Recreational misuse has caused serious health problems.

The SFDA ensures Bromazepam is only available under medical supervision. Limiting its availability prevents illegal distribution and overdose cases. Saudi authorities prioritize mental health safety with this ban.

7. Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication. It is banned due to misuse for euphoric effects and cognitive enhancement. Reports show recreational misuse among youth, causing nervous system complications.

The SFDA restricts Aripiprazole to therapeutic use only. Unauthorized consumption could worsen psychiatric symptoms or lead to addiction. Saudi Arabia prioritizes controlled treatment under professional guidance.

8. Naltrexone

Naltrexone treats addiction but is banned due to potential misuse and diversion. Misuse can cause liver damage or be applied illegally to counter opioid effects. Black-market availability increases public health risks.

Saudi authorities ban its unauthorized distribution. Restriction ensures patients receive Naltrexone only in controlled treatment programs. This preserves therapy integrity and safety.

9. Nandrolone

Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid. It is banned due to performance-enhancing abuse, causing hormonal imbalances and aggression. Misuse may also lead to heart and liver issues.

The SFDA ensures Nandrolone is only available for legitimate medical use. Restriction prevents doping and protects public health. Authorities safeguard both health and ethical sports practices.

10. Nefazodone

Nefazodone is an antidepressant. It is banned due to severe liver toxicity, causing liver failure and deaths in some users. The risks outweigh benefits, especially given safer alternatives.

Saudi authorities prohibit its circulation to prevent fatal outcomes. The SFDA ensures antidepressants are safe, effective, and monitored. Public health protection is the main priority.

11. Norethisterone

Norethisterone is a hormonal medication. It is banned due to cardiovascular risks, including blood clots and stroke. Reports of adverse events prompted withdrawal from circulation.

The SFDA restricts its use to ensure patient safety. Safer hormonal therapies are prioritized. The ban reduces preventable cardiovascular emergencies.

12. Sibutramine

Sibutramine is a weight-loss drug. It is banned due to heart-related risks, including increased blood pressure and stroke. Its misuse can lead to life-threatening complications.

Saudi authorities removed it to protect public health. The SFDA ensures weight-loss treatments are medically supervised and safe. Public safety is prioritized over nonessential medication.

13. Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic. It is banned due to addiction and abuse potential, causing overdose, withdrawal, and cognitive impairment. Recreational use poses serious social and health hazards.

The SFDA restricts Zopiclone to medical use only. Limiting access prevents dependence and misuse. Authorities protect citizens from both mental and physical harm.

14. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate treats ADHD but is banned due to high abuse potential. It can be misused as a stimulant or cognitive enhancer. Misuse increases heart problems, insomnia, and mental health risks.

Saudi authorities regulate its use strictly for diagnosed patients. The SFDA ensures prescriptions are monitored. The ban prevents recreational misuse among youth.

15. Diazepam

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and seizures. It is banned because of addiction, dependence, and overdose risks. Unsupervised use can cause drowsiness, respiratory depression, and accidents.

The SFDA ensures its controlled medical use only. Unauthorized circulation is prohibited to prevent health crises. Public safety is the key reason for this restriction.

16. Lorazepam

Lorazepam is a sedative and anti-anxiety drug. It is banned due to high potential for misuse and addiction, causing withdrawal and cognitive impairments. Recreational use has been reported.

Saudi authorities restrict its access to prevent abuse. The SFDA requires prescriptions for medically necessary treatments only. The ban safeguards mental and physical health.

17. Meprobamate

Meprobamate is a tranquilizer. It is banned due to dependence and overdose potential, causing severe health risks. Misuse can lead to respiratory failure or coma.

SFDA limits its availability to strict medical supervision. Authorities aim to reduce addiction cases. Public health protection drives the ban.

18. Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used for seizures and insomnia. It is banned due to high abuse potential and overdose risk. Misuse may lead to coma or death.

The SFDA ensures controlled medical use only. Unauthorized circulation is prohibited to prevent fatalities. Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations for public safety.

19. Oxazepam

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It is banned because of addiction and misuse potential. Recreational consumption can result in dependency or overdose.

The SFDA restricts its use to medically necessary cases. Limiting access prevents recreational misuse and health crises. Authorities protect mental health and societal stability.

20. Temazepam

Temazepam is a sleep-inducing medication. It is banned due to high abuse potential and risk of dependence, causing severe withdrawal effects. Misuse leads to impaired cognitive and motor functions.

Saudi authorities ensure its use only under medical supervision. The SFDA controls distribution to prevent illegal sale and misuse. Public safety is prioritized over recreational access.

List Of Banned Medicine In Saudi Arabia (FAQs)

1. What does “banned medicine” mean in Saudi Arabia?

A banned medicine in Saudi Arabia refers to a drug that is prohibited by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) due to safety concerns, high abuse potential, or severe side effects. Such medicines cannot be manufactured, sold, or used in the country. The ban is enforced to protect public health and ensure safety.

2. Why are some medicines banned in Saudi Arabia?

Medicines are banned primarily for public health reasons, including addiction risk, severe side effects, or misuse potential. Some drugs may also contradict Islamic laws or cultural norms. The SFDA ensures only safe, effective, and culturally acceptable medicines are available.

3. Which government body regulates banned medicines in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is the official body that regulates, tests, and bans medicines. It sets safety standards, monitors drug distribution, and removes unsafe or high-risk medicines from the market. The SFDA also oversees cosmetics, medical devices, and food safety.

4. Are all medicines banned in Saudi Arabia?

No, not all medicines are banned. Only those with high abuse potential, severe health risks, or noncompliance with SFDA standards are prohibited. Most medicines are allowed under strict regulation and medical supervision.

5. Can banned medicines be used with a prescription in Saudi Arabia?

In most cases, banned medicines are completely prohibited, even with a prescription. Some medicines may be allowed under strict hospital supervision for specific medical purposes, but general public access is restricted. This prevents misuse, addiction, and public health risks.

6. How does Saudi Arabia decide which medicines to ban?

The SFDA considers factors such as side effects, addiction potential, effectiveness, and cultural or religious compliance. Reports from hospitals, medical research, and international regulatory bodies also influence the decision. The ultimate goal is to protect citizens and maintain public safety.

7. What are some common medicines banned in Saudi Arabia?

Some widely banned medicines include Alprazolam (Xanax), Tramadol, Codeine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Bromazepam, and Zopiclone. These drugs are banned due to high abuse potential, addiction risks, or serious side effects. The SFDA regularly updates the list to reflect emerging health concerns

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia bans these 20 medicines to protect public health, prevent addiction, and reduce misuse. The SFDA ensures strict compliance with medical, safety, and cultural standards. Each banned medicine carries risks that outweigh benefits, whether due to addiction, cardiovascular issues, liver toxicity, or abuse potential.

By enforcing these bans, the Kingdom prioritizes the safety of its citizens and maintains social stability. Citizens and visitors must understand these regulations to avoid legal issues and health hazards.