What is the designated schedule for Percodan?

Percodan is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This designation is due to its formulation that includes oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain reliever, combined with aspirin. Schedule II substances are recognized for their medical use but have a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Because of this risk, there are strict regulations surrounding the prescribing and dispensing of Schedule II medications. Prescribers must adhere to specific guidelines, such as using a special prescription pad for handwritten prescriptions and the prohibition of refilling prescriptions without a new prescription.

Knowing the schedule of controlled substances is crucial for pharmacy practice, as it affects how medications can be handled, as well as the legal implications for pharmacists and prescribers. In contrast, substances in other schedules, such as Schedule I, are considered to have no accepted medical use and therefore aren't available for medical prescriptions, while Schedule III and IV substances have lower potential for abuse and additional regulatory differences.