Medication Schedules

Question 1

Schedule I

Answer 1

for substances that have a high potential for abuse and no approved medical use in the U.S.

illegal and providers can’t prescribe them

ex: heroin, mescaline, LSD, (includes cannabis even though its medicinal use is legal in some states)

Question 2

Schedule II

Answer 2

substances with high potential for abuse and physical/psychological dependence

providers must give handwritten prescriptions with NO refills. in healthcare settings, they must be locked and separated from other medications.

ex: morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, methamphetamine

Question 3

Schedule III

Answer 3

substances with a low potential for physical/psychological dependence

ex: ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone

providers must give handwritten prescriptions. refills can be 5 times every 6 months

Question 4

Schedule IV

Answer 4

substances with a low potential for abuse and physical/psychological dependence

ex: diazepam, zolpidem, eszopiclone, alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, and clonazepam

providers must sign prescriptions. refills can be 5 times every 6 months. staff members can authorize refills over the phone

Question 5

Schedule V

Answer 5

substances that include minimal quantities of narcotics (for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes)

ex: diphenoxylate, pregabalin, lacosamide, and opium/pectin/belladonna/kaolin

providers must sign prescriptions. refills can be 5 times every 6 months. staff members can authorize refills over the phone