Which medication requires an exact count during the pharmacy inventory according to the DEA?

The requirement for an exact count during pharmacy inventory, particularly for controlled substances, is primarily determined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. In this context, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. According to DEA rules, all controlled substances in Schedule I and Schedule II, regardless of their quantity, must be inventoried with an exact count.

Amphetamines, such as the one mentioned, fall under this rigorous counting requirement, necessitating an accurate count rather than an estimated count when conducting an inventory. This is to ensure the secure handling and traceability of these highly regulated drugs given their potential for abuse and addiction.

In contrast, for medications in lower schedules, like Schedule III or IV, an estimated count could potentially be acceptable for containers holding fewer than 1,000 tablets or units. Thus, the distinction lies in the scheduling of the drug and the specific regulatory requirements that stipulate how they should be managed during inventory processes.