What is the classification of cocaine?

Answer 1

In the U.S. cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but can be administered by a physician for legitimate medical uses. By prescription, it is available in the U.S. as a solution for local mucosal anesthesia, but is infrequently used due to safer alternatives.

Answer 2

Cocaine can be classified in several different ways depending on what you mean by "classify"

It is a tropane alkyloid and serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor for pharmacological classification

It is also classified as a stimulant, an appetite suppressant, and topical anesthetic in a medical sense

It is classified as a "Schedule II" substance in the US Controlled Substances Act (Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970).

The findings required for each of the schedules are as follows:

Schedule II.-

(A) The drug or other substances have a high potential for abuse

(B) The drug or other substances have currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, or currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions

(C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence." Except when dispensed directly by a practitioner, other than a pharmacist, to an ultimate user, no controlled substance in schedule II, which is a prescription drug as determined under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], may be dispensed without the written prescription of a practitioner, except that in emergency situations, as prescribed by the Secretary by regulation after consultation with the Attorney General, such drug may be dispensed upon oral prescription in accordance with section 503(b) of that Act [21 U.S.C. 353 (b)]. Prescriptions shall be retained in conformity with the requirements of section 827 of this title. No prescription for a controlled substance in schedule II may be refilled.