Which substance is classified as an exempted control product?

Codeine is classified as an exempted control product due to its specific use in certain formulations and its lower potential for abuse compared to other stronger opioids. In Kentucky and under federal law, codeine can be found in combination products that fall below a specific concentration threshold, which allows them to be dispensed without being subject to the same restrictions as more potent controlled substances.

Such combinations often include over-the-counter medications that might contain lower doses of codeine combined with other ingredients for cough relief or pain relief. This classification is designed to allow for easier access to medications that can provide therapeutic benefits while also acknowledging the potential for misuse when in higher concentrations or when used as a standalone product. This regulatory structure differentiates codeine from more potent opioids like oxycodone, morphine, and hydromorphone, which are classified strictly as controlled substances due to their higher potential for misuse and addiction.