ISSUE 1453
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reclassified all hydrocodone combination products as schedule II controlled substances; they were previously classified as schedule III.1 Hydrocodone alone (Zohydro ER) is already a schedule II controlled substance.2
HYDROCODONE — Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid agonist. It is widely prescribed in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for treatment of pain3 and is also available in combination with homatropine, chlorpheniramine, and/or pseudoephedrine for relief of cough and nasal congestion.
THE NEW SCHEDULE — Schedule II controlled substances are those that have an accepted medical use in the US and a high potential for abuse that can result in severe psychological and physical dependence. Drugs classified
... more- Drug Enforcement Administration. Final Rule. Schedules of controlled substances: rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products from schedule III to schedule II. Federal Register, August 22, 2014; 79(163): 49661. Available at https://federalregister.gov. Accessed October 2, 2014.
- Extended-release hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) for pain. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2014; 56:45.
- Drugs for pain. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2013; 11:31.
- FDA. FDA Drug Safety Communication: safety review update of codeine use in children; new boxed warning and contraindication on use after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. February 20, 2013. Available at www.fda.gov. Accessed October 2, 2014.
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