Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) falls under which Controlled Substance Schedule unless in an approved drug product?

1. Schedule IV

2. Schedule II

3. Schedule I

4. Schedule III

The correct answer is: Schedule I

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act when it is not in an approved drug product. This classification signifies that GHB has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision. While some formulations of GHB, such as those approved by the FDA (like Xyrem for narcolepsy), may be treated differently, the question specifically addresses its status when not in an approved drug product. Therefore, the correct selection reflecting GHB's classification in that context is Schedule I. Other potential classifications, such as Schedule II, III, or IV, generally pertain to substances with varying degrees of accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse, which does not apply to GHB in its unapproved form.