Which schedule includes Robitussin AC?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule III
• C. Schedule IV
• D. Schedule V

Answer: (D)

Understanding how a drug is scheduled hinges on its potential for abuse, medical use, and dependence risk. Robitussin AC contains codeine, an opioid, but in a relatively small dose paired with guaifenesin to treat cough. This low amount of opioid, combined with its primary purpose as a cough suppressant rather than a pain medication, gives it a much lower abuse potential than stronger opioid products. That balance of accepted medical use with limited abuse liability places it in the lower end of the schedule system, specifically Schedule V. Higher schedules would involve stronger opioids or formulations with greater abuse risk, while lower schedules reflect greater potential for misuse. So, Robitussin AC is categorized as Schedule V.