Schedule V

Definition

Schedule V is a classification of drugs under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. Drugs in this schedule have a low potential for abuse and dependence, and are typically used for legitimate medical purposes with minimal risk of addiction or harm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drugs in Schedule V have a low potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
2. Schedule V drugs are subject to fewer restrictions and controls than drugs in higher schedules, such as Schedules I-IV.
3. Examples of Schedule V drugs include cough medicines containing small amounts of codeine, certain anti-diarrheal medications, and some antitussive (cough suppressant) products.
4. Prescriptions for Schedule V drugs can be refilled up to 5 times within a 6-month period, unlike higher-scheduled drugs that have more stringent refill restrictions.
5. The Controlled Substances Act requires that all manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers of Schedule V drugs maintain detailed records and comply with security measures to prevent diversion and abuse.

Review Questions

• Explain the key characteristics of Schedule V drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Schedule V drugs are classified as having a low potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. They are subject to fewer restrictions and controls than drugs in higher schedules, such as Schedules I-IV. Examples of Schedule V drugs include certain cough medicines containing small amounts of codeine, anti-diarrheal medications, and some antitussive products. Prescriptions for Schedule V drugs can be refilled up to 5 times within a 6-month period, unlike higher-scheduled drugs that have more stringent refill restrictions. The Controlled Substances Act requires detailed record-keeping and security measures for all manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers of Schedule V drugs to prevent diversion and abuse.
• Describe the role of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in the context of Schedule V drugs.
  • The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a state-based program that collects, monitors, and analyzes data on the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, including Schedule V drugs. The PDMP helps identify and prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion by providing healthcare providers with information on a patient's controlled substance prescription history. This is particularly important for Schedule V drugs, which have a lower potential for abuse but can still be misused or diverted if not properly monitored and controlled. The PDMP data can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing and dispensing Schedule V medications, as well as identify potential patterns of abuse or misuse.
• Evaluate the significance of the Controlled Substances Act in the classification and regulation of Schedule V drugs, and how this impacts their medical use and potential for abuse.
  • The Controlled Substances Act is a critical piece of federal legislation that establishes the framework for classifying drugs and other substances based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. The placement of a drug in Schedule V, the lowest schedule, indicates that it has a low potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use in treatment. This classification allows for more flexibility in the prescribing and dispensing of Schedule V drugs, with fewer restrictions than higher-scheduled substances. However, the Act still requires manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers of Schedule V drugs to maintain detailed records and comply with security measures to prevent diversion and abuse. This balanced approach aims to ensure the legitimate medical use of these substances while minimizing the risk of misuse or addiction. The Controlled Substances Act and the Schedule V classification are essential in striking a careful balance between patient access to helpful medications and public health and safety concerns.

Related terms

Controlled Substances Act: A federal law in the United States that establishes a system for classifying drugs and other substances based on their potential for abuse and medical use.

Drug Scheduling: The process of categorizing drugs and other substances into different schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP): A state-based program that collects, monitors, and analyzes data on the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances to help identify and prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion.