List of Schedule V drugs (US)

List of Schedule V Drugs (US)

In the United States, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances. The act categorizes drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs into five distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. Schedule V drugs represent the fifth and least restrictive category under the CSA. This article provides an overview of Schedule V drugs, including their regulatory context, examples, and implications for healthcare and law enforcement.

Overview

Schedule V drugs are defined by the CSA as substances that have a lower potential for abuse relative to substances listed in Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. These drugs are considered to have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of Schedule V drugs may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV.

Regulatory Context

The scheduling of drugs into Schedule V is a responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. These agencies evaluate substances based on scientific and medical evidence to determine their placement within the CSA schedules. The criteria for placing a drug into Schedule V include its potential for abuse, current scientific knowledge regarding the drug, history and current pattern of abuse, scope, duration, and significance of abuse, risk to the public health, and its psychic or physiological dependence liability.

Examples of Schedule V Drugs

Schedule V drugs typically include preparations that contain limited quantities of certain narcotic drugs. These are generally used for antitussive (cough suppressant) and antidiarrheal purposes. Some common examples of Schedule V drugs include:

• Cough preparations containing not more than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams (Robitussin AC, Phenergan with Codeine)
• Ezogabine
• Pregabalin (Lyrica)
• Lacosamide (Vimpat)
• Pyrovalerone

It is important to note that the list of Schedule V drugs can change as substances are reevaluated and laws are amended. Therefore, healthcare professionals and individuals should consult the DEA’s official website or other reliable sources for the most current information.

Implications for Healthcare and Law Enforcement

The classification of drugs into Schedule V has significant implications for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and law enforcement agencies. Healthcare providers who prescribe these substances must be registered with the DEA and comply with federal and state regulations regarding prescription, dispensing, and record-keeping. Pharmacists must ensure that proper procedures are followed in the dispensing of these drugs, including verifying prescriptions and maintaining accurate records. Law enforcement agencies monitor and regulate the distribution and use of Schedule V drugs to prevent abuse and illegal distribution.

Conclusion

Schedule V drugs, while considered to have a lower potential for abuse relative to drugs in other schedules, are still regulated under the CSA due to their potential for abuse and dependence. The classification serves as a mechanism to ensure that these drugs are used safely and effectively for medical purposes while minimizing the risk of abuse and illegal distribution.