According to federal law, a reverse distributor must issue a DEA Form 222 or electronic...

According tofederal law,a reverse distributor must issue a DEA Form 222 (or electronic equivalent) when a pharmacy requests the destruction of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Reverse distributorshandle the return and disposal ofexpired, damaged, or unusable controlled substances.

DEA Form 222 (or CSOS, the electronic equivalent) is required for Schedule II drugs.

Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (e.g., Norco, Vicodin)is aSchedule II controlled substance, requiringDEA Form 222for reverse distribution.

A. Acetaminophen with codeine❌→Schedule III

Does not require DEA Form 222; instead, DEA Form 41 is used for disposal.

C. Promethazine with codeine❌→Schedule V

Lower abuse potential; does not require DEA Form 222.

D. Pseudoephedrine with ibuprofen❌→Not a controlled substance

Pseudoephedrine is regulated under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA), not the DEA controlled substance schedules.

DEA Controlled Substances Act (CSA)– Confirms thatSchedule II drugs require DEA Form 222 for reverse distribution.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers controlled substances and reverse distribution requirements.

DEA Diversion Control Division Guidelines– Listshydrocodone as a Schedule II drug requiring Form 222 for disposal.

Understanding DEA Form 222 and Reverse Distribution:Why is Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen the Correct Answer?Why Not the Other Options?Key References: