Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

All of the following codeine solutions would be classified as a schedule V controlled substance EXCEPT?

1. A solution containing 6.25 mg promethazine and 10 mg codeine per 5mL

2. A solution containing 20 mg dextromethorphan and 50 mg codeine per 20 mL

3. A solution containing 100 mg guaifenesin and 10 mg codeine per 5 mL

4. A solution containing 24 mg chlorpheniramine and 30 mg codeine per 1.5 mL

The correct answer is: A solution containing 20 mg dextromethorphan and 50 mg codeine per 20 mL

In the context of controlled substances, the classification of codeine solutions depends on their concentration and the presence of other active ingredients. Schedule V controlled substances are those that typically have a lower potential for abuse relative to other controlled substances and are often used for medicinal purposes, including certain cough preparations that contain codeine in limited quantities. The specific solution that is not classified as a Schedule V controlled substance is the one containing 20 mg dextromethorphan and 50 mg codeine per 20 mL. This solution exceeds the permissible concentration limits for codeine to be classified as Schedule V. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations, a solution is usually classified as Schedule V if it contains no more than 200 mg of codeine per 100 mL or per 100 dosage units. In contrast, the other solutions listed contain codeine concentrations that are lower or fall within the acceptable limits for listing as Schedule V substances. For example, the solution with 10 mg of codeine per 5 mL or the one with 10 mg of codeine per 5 mL allows it to remain within the parameters set for Schedule V classifications. Understanding these regulations is crucial for pharmacy technicians as they play an essential role