Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

What medication requires ordering using DEA Form 222?

1. Alprazolam

2. Phenobarbital

3. Diazepam

4. Morphine sulfate

The correct answer is: Morphine sulfate

The correct answer is morphine sulfate, which is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification is significant because Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and are subject to strict regulations regarding their ordering and distribution. To obtain Schedule II medications like morphine sulfate, pharmacies must use DEA Form 222, which is specifically designed for the purchase and transfer of these controlled substances. This form helps the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) track and monitor the ordering of potent medications, thus helping to prevent misuse or illegal distribution. In contrast, alprazolam and diazepam are classified as Schedule IV substances, which do not require the use of DEA Form 222 for ordering. Phenobarbital can also fall into Schedule IV depending on its use, and similarly does not require the same stringent ordering procedures. This difference in scheduling and regulation highlights the importance of understanding the specific requirements for handling controlled substances in a pharmacy setting.