Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which schedule is ketamine classified under?

1. I

2. II

3. III

4. IV

The correct answer is: III

Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that it has a recognized medical use but also has a potential for abuse, which can lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Schedule III substances are considered to be less dangerous than those in Schedule I or II, which have stricter regulations due to a higher potential for abuse or dependency. While certain other substances may have similar uses or properties, they fall into different schedules based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety profiles. For example, Schedule I substances are deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. In contrast, Schedule II substances, like opioids, have a recognized medical use but come with a higher restriction due to a significant potential for abuse. Understanding these classifications is essential for pharmacy practice, as they dictate how these substances should be handled, prescribed, and dispensed within a legal framework.