What is a characteristic of Schedule V drugs?

Schedule V drugs are classified as having a low potential for abuse compared to drugs in other schedules, such as Schedule I or II, which have either high potential for abuse or severe dependence. One of the defining characteristics of Schedule V drugs is that they have a current accepted medical use in treatment across the United States. This means these substances are considered useful in a medical context and are prescribed for various therapeutic purposes.

Examples of Schedule V drugs include certain medications that contain small amounts of narcotics, such as cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters. Because they have a recognized medical use, Schedule V drugs are often subject to less stringent regulatory controls than those with higher potential for abuse, thereby making them more accessible for appropriate therapeutic use.