PTCB Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. Under federal law, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are placed in which DEA schedule?

1. ASchedule V
2. BSchedule III
3. CSchedule II
4. DSchedule IVCorrect

Why: Benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, are Schedule IV controlled substances. Schedule II includes drugs such as oxycodone and amphetamine, Schedule III includes products such as ketamine and some anabolic steroids, and Schedule V includes low-dose codeine cough preparations.21 CFR 1308 (DEA schedules)

While filling a prescription, a technician scans the barcode on the stock bottle and the dispensing system rejects the scan. What is the correct next action?

1. ASkip the scan and rely on the pharmacist to catch any problem at the final verification instead
2. BRescan the bottle repeatedly until the system finally accepts it and lets the fill continue
3. CType the NDC from the stock bottle in by hand and continue filling the prescription as usual
4. DStop, set the bottle aside, and confirm that the product truly matches the prescription label before going any furtherCorrect

Why: A rejected scan is the system telling the technician that the product in hand is not the product on the label, so the fill must stop until the discrepancy is resolved. Typing the NDC by hand, rescanning until the system gives way, and skipping the scan all defeat the purpose of barcode verification, which is an independent electronic check that does not depend on the eyes of the person filling. Relying on the pharmacist's final verification alone removes one layer of protection instead of adding one.FDA