Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which of the following substances has a higher schedule level indicating higher potential for abuse compared to Schedule V?

1. Buprenorphine

2. Ketamine

3. Dihydrocodeine

4. Opium

The correct answer is: Ketamine

The correct choice indicates that ketamine is classified as a higher schedule substance, meaning it has a greater potential for abuse compared to Schedule V substances. In the scheduling system, Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse, often containing medications that may be used for therapeutic purposes with relatively little risk. Ketamine, classified as a Schedule III substance, has a recognized potential for abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence, which is higher than that of substances in Schedule V. Although ketamine is used medically for anesthesia and as a treatment for certain mental health disorders, it is also associated with recreational misuse and has a more significant impact on the central nervous system compared to medications found in Schedule V. Other substances listed, such as buprenorphine, dihydrocodeine, and opium, have varying abuse potentials classified under different schedules, but they do not represent a higher potential for abuse than ketamine. Therefore, distinguishing ketamine's higher scheduling helps illustrate its notable risk of abuse compared to the medications in Schedule V.