Question 37

Phenobarbital is federally classified as a controlled substance.

Phenobarbital is a narrow therapeutic index medication that is classified as a controlled substance under federal law due to its potential for abuse and dependence.

A) Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is not classified as a controlled substance. Although it is a narrow therapeutic index medication used primarily for seizure disorders and mood stabilization, it does not fall under the federal controlled substances schedule.

B) Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is also not a controlled substance. It is an immunosuppressant drug primarily used in organ transplantation and for autoimmune diseases, but it does not have a recognized potential for abuse or dependence that would warrant classification as a controlled substance.

C) Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose. It is a barbiturate that acts as a sedative and anticonvulsant, and its narrow therapeutic index necessitates careful monitoring, further emphasizing its controlled status.

D) Argatroban

Argatroban is not classified as a controlled substance. It is an anticoagulant used primarily for the treatment of thrombosis and is not associated with a potential for abuse or dependence, distinguishing it from controlled substances.

Conclusion

Phenobarbital stands out as the only option among the choices that is federally classified as a controlled substance due to its abuse potential. In contrast, Carbamazepine, Tacrolimus, and Argatroban, while they may be narrow therapeutic index medications, do not meet the criteria for controlled substance classification. This distinction highlights the importance of monitoring and regulation associated with medications that present a risk of misuse.