Controlled substances are categorized in which system?

• A. Schedules (I-V)
• B. Dangerous Drugs and Devices
• C. Prescription-only medications
• D. Over-the-counter products

Answer: (A)

Controlled substances are organized using a scheduling system that classifies drugs from Schedule I through Schedule V based on abuse potential, accepted medical use, and safety. This system guides who may prescribe or dispense the substance, the level of regulatory control required, and the record-keeping and security measures that must be followed. Substances in Schedule I have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential, while Schedule II substances have accepted medical uses but with strict controls due to high potential for abuse. Schedules III, IV, and V have progressively lower abuse potential and carry varying limitations on prescriptions and dispensing. The other options don’t reflect this formal framework for categorizing controlled substances.