Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Hydromorphone belongs to which schedule of controlled substances?

1. I

2. II

3. III

4. IV

The correct answer is: II

Hydromorphone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that it has a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Medications in Schedule II are typically prescribed for severe pain management due to their potency and effectiveness, but they are subject to strict regulations concerning their prescription and dispensing. The scheduling of controlled substances is based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence issues. Schedule I substances are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule II substances, like hydromorphone, have recognized medical uses but also a significant risk of dependence. Lower schedules, like III and IV, include medications with lower potential for abuse and less stringent regulations compared to Schedule II substances. This context explains why hydromorphone is correctly associated with Schedule II.