What is the scheduling classification of Fiorinal?

Fiorinal is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification is due to its specific formulation and the presence of certain ingredients, including butalbital, which is a barbiturate. Schedule III substances are defined as having a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedules I and II, but still have a moderate risk for physical and psychological dependence.

Fiorinal typically contains a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, used primarily for the treatment of tension headaches. The inclusion of butalbital, a substance with sedative properties, contributes to its classification as a Schedule III product, marking it as more regulated than non-scheduled substances yet less restricted than those classified as Schedule I or II.

In the context of the other choices, substances classified as Schedule II would have a higher potential for abuse and dependence than Schedule III, while Schedule IV substances would be considered to have lower abuse potential than Schedule III. Non-scheduled substances are not considered to have a high potential for abuse, which further distinguishes them from Fiorinal's classification.