What schedule does ASA + codeine correspond to?

The combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin, with codeine corresponds to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This classification is due to the fact that the combination product contains a narcotic (codeine) but is considered to have a lower potential for abuse compared to drugs classified under Schedule I and Schedule II.

Schedule III substances are defined as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Specifically, codeine-containing products that are combined with other non-narcotic ingredients like ASA can be dispensed with fewer restrictions than pure opioids, reflecting their accepted medical use and regulated nature.

In contrast, Schedule I substances are classified as having no accepted medical use in the United States and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin or LSD. Schedule II substances, which include substances like raw codeine and pure opioids, have a high potential for abuse, leading to severe restrictions in prescribing and dispensing. Schedule IV consists of substances with a lower potential for abuse, such as certain benzodiazepines, which do not apply to the ASA and codeine combination.

Understanding this classification is important for healthcare professionals as it influences prescription practices and regulatory compliance in the dispensing of controlled substances.