Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Ketamine is classified under which schedule of controlled substances?

1. CI

2. CII

3. CIII

4. CIV

The correct answer is: CIII

Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. This classification is based on its medical uses, potential for abuse, and the risk of dependence. Schedule III substances are considered to have a lower risk of abuse relative to Schedule I and II substances but still possess the potential for moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Ketamine is used in medical settings primarily as an anesthetic and for the treatment of certain mental health disorders, further establishing its status as a Schedule III drug due to its accepted medical use balanced against the potential for misuse. The other schedules include substances that either have no accepted medical use (Schedule I) or are more tightly controlled due to a higher potential for abuse and addiction (Schedules II and IV).