What must containers for controlled substances (CS) contain?

Containers for controlled substances must contain a label showing the schedule of the drug because it is essential for compliance with federal and state regulations governing the handling and distribution of controlled substances. This labeling helps pharmacists, healthcare providers, and law enforcement easily identify the classification of the substance, which in turn informs the appropriate handling, prescription, and dispensing methods according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations.

Having the schedule on the container communicates critical information about potential abuse, legal restrictions, and necessary precautions when dispensing and using the medication. This ensures that patients, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals are aware of the nature of the substance and can manage it accordingly.

The other options, while important aspects of patient safety and information, are not mandatory for the labeling of containers for controlled substances under the law. For instance, a patient information leaflet may provide additional information about the medication, and warnings about potential side effects and refill instructions are certainly valuable, but these are not specifically required on the container itself according to controlled substance regulations.