Which category cannot be refilled and must be completed within 72 hours?

• A. Cocaine
• B. Narcotics
• C. Schedule III medications
• D. Schedule II medications

Answer: (D)

Refill rules for controlled substances vary by schedule, with the strictest limits applying to Schedule II drugs. These medications cannot be refilled at all—each dispensing must be based on a new prescription for the exact quantity intended. If more is needed after the initial supply, a fresh prescription from the prescriber is required.

There is a specific emergency provision: a pharmacist may dispense up to a 72-hour supply of a Schedule II drug based on an oral order, but a written, signed prescription must be provided within 7 days to cover the remainder. This 72-hour rule is unique to Schedule II and does not apply in the same way to Schedule III–V, which may be refilled multiple times within allowable limits.

So the category that cannot be refilled and is associated with the 72-hour limit is Schedule II.