How often can a patient obtain a Schedule V codeine cough syrup?

A patient can obtain Schedule V codeine cough syrup once every 48 hours due to federal regulations that govern the dispensing of certain controlled substances. Schedule V substances, which include products containing low doses of codeine, can be dispensed by a pharmacy without a prescription but have specific limitations on the frequency of purchase.

The requirement for a 48-hour interval ensures that there is a regulated control over the dispensing of these substances, helping to prevent misuse or overutilization. This is essential in maintaining a balance between providing necessary medications and preventing potential dependency issues associated with codeine.

The options that suggest more frequent access, such as every 24 hours or weekly, do not comply with federal regulations that are put in place to safeguard against abuse. On the other hand, obtaining it once a month would not adequately address the need for monitoring use and could lead to unsafe accumulation of the product. Thus, the correct interval is indeed every 48 hours, which aligns with regulatory standards for controlled substances.