What type of drugs are required to be stored in a locked cabinet in a pharmacy?

Controlled substances are required to be stored in a locked cabinet in a pharmacy due to their potential for abuse and the legal regulations governing their distribution and handling. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies certain drugs as controlled substances, which includes narcotics and other medications with addiction potential. Storing these substances securely helps prevent diversion and misuse, ensuring that they are only available to authorized personnel.

While all drugs in the pharmacy need to be managed responsibly, it is specifically controlled substances that are mandated by law to be kept in a locked cabinet, reflecting the heightened legal and safety concerns associated with their use. This regulation is part of the wider effort to monitor and control the distribution of drugs that could be harmful if misused. Therefore, the requirement for locked storage aligns with the intent of federal law to protect public health and safety.