Acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol #3) is classified under which controlled substance schedule?

Acetaminophen with codeine, commonly known as Tylenol #3, is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. This classification is based on the characteristics and potential for abuse associated with the drug. Schedule III substances include medications that have a lower potential for abuse compared to those in Schedule I and Schedule II, but still have the potential for moderate dependence.

Tylenol #3 specifically contains a combination of acetaminophen and codeine, which is an opioid. The presence of codeine is what places this combination into Schedule III rather than a higher schedule. Medications in this schedule are often prescribed for pain relief while having some regulatory controls, such as limitations on refills and prescription formats.

Drugs in Schedule I are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin and LSD. Schedule II substances, such as morphine and oxycodone, have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, while Schedule IV substances are considered to have a lower potential for abuse than those in the previous schedules and generally include anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines.

Therefore, the classification of acetaminophen with codeine as Schedule III aligns with its use in