Propoxyphene is scheduled as which DEA category?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule IV
• C. Schedule III
• D. Schedule V

Answer: (B)

Scheduling drugs under the DEA is about balancing abuse potential, accepted medical use, and dependence risk. Schedule IV includes substances that have an accepted medical use but a lower potential for abuse and dependence than the higher schedules.

Propoxyphene is an opioid analgesic that has a legitimate medical use for pain, but its potential for abuse and dependence is relatively lower than more potent opioids. That combination—medical usefulness with comparatively lower abuse risk—fits the criteria for Schedule IV. (For historical context, propoxyphene was later withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety concerns, but its scheduling when it was in use reflected its position in Schedule IV rather than a higher schedule.)