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Schedule III drugs are classified as having a moderate potential for abuse compared to other controlled substances. This schedule is part of the Controlled Substances Act, which arranges drugs based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs can be prescribed by healthcare providers and typically have accepted medical uses.

Drugs in Schedule III have a lower potential for abuse than those categorized as Schedule II. However, they still have a higher potential for abuse compared to drugs classified as Schedule IV and V. For instance, anabolic steroids and certain medications containing combinations of narcotics fall under Schedule III, further highlighting the balance of medical necessity against the potential for misuse.

Conversely, Schedule I drugs, such as heroin or LSD, are not accepted for medical use in the United States and have a high potential for abuse. Schedule IV drugs, like benzodiazepines, have a lower risk of abuse and dependence compared to Schedule III, making this classification distinct. Schedule V includes substances with even less potential for abuse, such as certain cough preparations containing low doses of codeine. Thus, Schedule III effectively represents that midpoint in terms of abuse potential.