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 · Last reviewed July 23, 2026
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 |
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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.
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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.
Last reviewed July 23, 2026 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).