Educational exam prep, not medical advice. This page teaches what certification exams test. Follow your facility’s policies, your supervising clinician and the manufacturer’s instructions in practice. If you are a patient with a health question, talk to your clinician or see MedlinePlus.
DEA controlled substance schedules
| Schedule | Meaning | Examples | Refills |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-I | High abuse potential, no accepted US medical use | Heroin, LSD | Not prescribable |
| C-II | High abuse potential, accepted medical use | Oxycodone, fentanyl, hydrocodone combinations, amphetamine, methylphenidate | No refills |
| C-III | Moderate abuse potential | Buprenorphine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, acetaminophen with codeine | Up to 5 refills within 6 months |
| C-IV | Lower abuse potential | Alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem, tramadol | Up to 5 refills within 6 months |
| C-V | Lowest abuse potential | Pregabalin, cough preparations with limited codeine | As authorized by prescriber (state law may limit) |
DEA forms
| Form | Used for |
|---|---|
| DEA Form 222 | Ordering and transferring Schedule I and II substances (CSOS is the electronic alternative) |
| DEA Form 106 | Reporting theft or significant loss of controlled substances (DEA must also be notified in writing within 1 business day of discovery) |
| DEA Form 41 | Recording destruction of controlled substances |
| DEA Form 224 | New registration for a retail pharmacy (renewed every 3 years) |
Other federal rules to know
- Records: controlled substance records must be kept at least 2 years; a full inventory is taken every 2 years (biennial inventory).
- Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act: pseudoephedrine sales limited to 3.6 g per day and 9 g per 30 days per retail purchaser; kept behind the counter with a logbook and ID check.
- Poison Prevention Packaging Act (1970): child-resistant packaging unless the patient or prescriber requests otherwise (exceptions include sublingual nitroglycerin).
- REMS: FDA-required safety programs for certain drugs (for example iPLEDGE for isotretinoin).
- Recalls and DSCSA: new to the 2026 outline - FDA recall classes and Drug Supply Chain Security Act product tracing, verification and quarantine.
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Frequently asked questions
What DEA form is used to order Schedule II drugs?
DEA Form 222, or its electronic equivalent, CSOS.
What is DEA Form 106 for?
Reporting theft or significant loss of controlled substances.
How many refills are allowed for a Schedule III drug?
Up to 5 refills within 6 months of the date written.
What is the daily pseudoephedrine limit?
3.6 grams per day per purchaser, and 9 grams per 30 days at retail, under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act.
Sources
- PTCB - PTCE Content Outline effective January 6, 2026 (accessed 2026-09-23)
- DEA Diversion Control - Pharmacist's Manual (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 21 CFR Chapter II, Parts 1300-1321 (DEA) (accessed 2026-09-23)