Compendium of Monographs

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The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) has changed its name to the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) subsequent to its recently expanded mandate to include the oversight of non-prescription and disinfectant drugs in addition to natural health products (NHPs). Please note that we are currently modifying documents to reflect this change.
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The Compendium of Monographs can help speed the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of medicinal ingredients commonly used in natural health products. A monograph is a written description of particular elements on an identified topic.

Natural Health Products Directorate's (NHPD) product licensing system allows applicants to reference the monographs below in support of the safety and efficacy of their product, rather than providing evidence for ingredients that are already known to be safe and efficacious when used under the conditions specified in the monographs.

Monographs are now accessible via the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database.

Also see...

Natural Health Products Ingredients Database
The Natural Health Products Ingredients Database has replaced the list of acceptable non-medicinal ingredients. The database provides information on acceptable medicinal and non-medicinal ingredients, standard terminology, and single ingredient and product monographs.
Compendium of Monographs - Guidance Document
This document outlines and describes what a monograph is and how it can be used in a product application for natural health products sold in Canada.

For more information

  • Self-care products
    How self-care products, including natural heath products, cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs, are regulated in Canada.

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