DEA Temporarily Places Four Synthetic Opioids in Schedule I to Combat Imminent Hazard
Last updated 2026-08-27 · Source: DEA
Primary source: DEA: DEA Temporarily Places Four Synthetic Opioids in Schedule I to Combat Imminent Hazard
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a temporary order placing four synthetic opioids—5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine—into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This action is based on a finding of an imminent hazard to public safety and subjects handlers of these substances to strict regulatory controls and sanctions. The temporary scheduling is effective for two years, from August 27, 2026, until August 27, 2028.
What this means for your practice
This DEA action highlights the agency's swift response capabilities under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to address emerging public health threats posed by novel psychoactive substances, particularly synthetic opioids. For telehealth brands, medspas, dental practices, chiropractic offices, and other healthcare businesses, while these specific substances (5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine) are illicit and lack accepted medical use, this temporary scheduling reinforces critical compliance principles. Any entity or individual involved in the 'handling' of controlled substances—which includes manufacturing, distribution, research, chemical analysis, or possession—must be acutely aware of and adhere to the stringent Schedule I requirements. Although direct patient prescribing of Schedule I substances is not applicable due to their lack of accepted medical use, understanding these regulatory movements is vital for broader drug diversion prevention programs, toxicology testing protocols, and ensuring all personnel are informed about the dynamic landscape of controlled substance regulation. Non-compliance, even inadvertent handling, carries severe administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions, underscoring the necessity for robust internal compliance frameworks.
Washington, D.C. — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under its authority granted by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), has announced a temporary order to place four distinct synthetic opioids into Schedule I. This measure, effective August 27, 2026, and lasting for two years, is a direct response to an imminent hazard posed to public safety by these substances.
Substances Placed in Schedule I
The temporary scheduling order specifically targets the following synthetic opioids, including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, wherever their existence is possible:
- 1-(1-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-5,6-dichloro-1,3-dihydro-2 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro brorphine or SR-14968)
- 5,6-dichloro-1-(1-(4-chlorobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-1,3-dihydro-2 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine or SR-17018)
- 3-(3-(1-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-1-yl)propanenitrile (commonly known as N-propionitrile chlorphine or cychlorphine)
- 8-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (commonly known as spirochlorphine or R-6890)
Basis for Temporary Scheduling
The DEA's decision is grounded in its finding that the placement of these four substances in Schedule I is essential to mitigate an imminent hazard to public safety. The CSA grants the Attorney General, delegated to the Administrator of the DEA, the authority to temporarily schedule a substance in Schedule I for a period of two years without certain evaluation requirements if such action is deemed necessary to protect public safety.
Prior to this action, the DEA Administrator notified the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of its intent. Following a review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HHS confirmed that there were no investigational new drug applications or approved new drug applications for any of the four substances. Consequently, HHS expressed no objection to their temporary placement in Schedule I of the CSA.
Regulatory Implications and Sanctions
With this temporary scheduling, individuals and entities that
Key Facts
| Detail | Value | |---|---| | Action Type | Temporary amendment; temporary scheduling order | | Substances Scheduled | 5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine | | Schedule | Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) | | Effective Date | August 27, 2026 | | Duration of Temporary Order | Until August 27, 2028 (two years) | | Reason for Action | Necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety |
Frequently Asked Questions
What substances are being temporarily placed into Schedule I?
The DEA is temporarily placing 5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine into Schedule I, including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers.
Why is the DEA taking this action?
The DEA is taking this action because it has found that placing these substances in Schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety.
When does this temporary order become effective?
This temporary order is effective on August 27, 2026.
How long will these substances remain in Schedule I under this temporary order?
The temporary order is effective until August 27, 2028, a period of two years.
What does Schedule I classification mean for these substances?
Schedule I classification imposes regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these substances.
Has HHS or FDA reviewed these substances?
Yes, HHS, based on a review by the FDA, advised that there were currently no investigational new drug applications or approved new drug applications for these substances and stated no objection to their temporary placement in Schedule I.