Can Schedule II prescriptions be refilled?
No — never. Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled under federal law; the patient needs a new prescription each time.
Federal Law
Controlled Substance Schedules: The C-II to C-V Rules the PTCE Tests
By the RxReflex Content Team
Federal law sorts controlled drugs into five schedules by abuse potential. The tested core: Schedule II (oxycodone, Adderall) allows no refills; Schedules III–IV allow up to 5 refills within 6 months; Schedule V refills as authorized. With Federal Requirements now 18.75% of the 2026 PTCE, these rules are no longer a side topic.
The five schedules at a glance
| Schedule | Abuse potential | Top 200 examples | Refill rule (federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-I | Highest — no accepted medical use federally | Heroin, LSD (marijuana remains C-I federally) | Not dispensed in pharmacies |
| C-II | High — severe dependence risk | oxycodone, hydrocodone combos, fentanyl, Adderall, methylphenidate | No refills. New prescription every time |
| C-III | Moderate | Acetaminophen with codeine, testosterone, ketamine | Up to 5 refills within 6 months |
| C-IV | Lower | alprazolam, zolpidem, tramadol, phentermine | Up to 5 refills within 6 months |
| C-V | Lowest | pregabalin, some codeine cough syrups | Refills as authorized by the prescriber |
lightbulb
Exam tip
The single most-tested fact on this page: Schedule II = zero refills, ever. If an answer option implies refilling a C-II, it's wrong.
Which DEA forms do I need to know?
| Form | What it's for | Memory anchor |
|---|---|---|
| DEA Form 222 | Ordering Schedule I & II drugs (paper or its electronic equivalent, CSOS) | “222 to order C-2” |
| DEA Form 224 | Registering a pharmacy to dispense controlled substances | “224 opens the door” |
| DEA Form 106 | Reporting theft or significant loss | “1-0-6 = something's missing” |
| DEA Form 41 | Recording destruction of controlled substances | “41 = gone for good” |
What are the pseudoephedrine (PSE) limits?
The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA) put pseudoephedrine behind the counter with hard purchase limits the exam quizzes directly:
- arrow_right3.6 g of PSE base per day per purchaser
- arrow_right9 g per 30 days per purchaser (mail-order limit is lower)
- arrow_rightPhoto ID required, and the sale goes in a logbook kept for at least two years
- arrow_rightThese are federal floors — states can be stricter, and the stricter rule always wins
Transfers, partial fills & other tested rules
- arrow_rightTransfers: C-III–V prescriptions may generally be transferred once between pharmacies (pharmacies sharing a real-time database get more flexibility).
- arrow_rightEmergency C-II: a prescriber can phone in an emergency Schedule II supply — but must follow up with a written/electronic prescription within 7 days.
- arrow_rightFederal vs state: when federal and state law differ, follow the stricter one. (Example: gabapentin isn't federally scheduled, but several states schedule it.)
- arrow_rightInventory: a full controlled-substance inventory is required at least every 2 years (biennial inventory), and C-II records are kept separate from III–V.
With Federal Requirements jumping to 18.75% of the 2026 exam, expect several of these rules per exam — see what changed in 2026 for the full picture.
Controlled substances — FAQ
How many refills can a Schedule III or IV prescription have?
Up to 5 refills within 6 months of the date written, whichever comes first. After that, a new prescription is required.
Is tramadol a controlled substance?
Yes — tramadol is Schedule IV federally. It's a frequent exam item because people assume it isn't controlled.
Is gabapentin a controlled substance?
Not federally — but several states schedule it (and others require reporting to the state PDMP). It's the classic federal-vs-state example, and the stricter law always applies.
What is DEA Form 222 used for?
Ordering Schedule I and II controlled substances from a supplier — on the paper triplicate form or its electronic equivalent (CSOS).
How much pseudoephedrine can a customer buy?
Federal limits: 3.6 grams of PSE base per day and 9 grams per 30 days, with photo ID and a logbook entry. States may be stricter.
Turn the law rules into quick recall
RxReflex drills federal requirements as scenario questions — schedules, refills, DEA forms, and the DSCSA — with a rationale for every option. Free to start.
Keep studying
What Changed on the 2026 PTCB ExamNew domain weights, what was removed, and how to adjust your study plan.
How to Read a PrescriptionThe anatomy of an Rx, all ten DAW codes, and how to read an NDC off a stock bottle.
DEA Numbers & DEA FormsVerify a DEA number in ten seconds — and know which form covers ordering, destruction, theft, and registration.Prefer a printable version? Grab “The PTCB Pass Code” free PDF — the highest-yield facts, formulas & traps on 22 pages.
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Exam policies and fees are set by PTCB — always confirm details at ptcb.org. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).