Question

a pharmacy technician should recognize that which of the following medications should be flushed for disposal?

warfarin (coumadin) tablets
fentanyl (duragesic) patches
cyclophosphamide (cytoxan)
amoxicillin (amoxil) capsules

Explanation:

Identify the core regulatory guidelines

The question asks which medication should be flushed for disposal. The FDA maintains a specific "flush list" of medicines that should be immediately flushed down the toilet or sink when no longer needed, primarily to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse of highly potent, dangerous substances (especially opioids).

Evaluate the options against the FDA flush list

• Warfarin (Coumadin) tablets: Not on the flush list. It is a hazardous waste material (RCRA P-listed waste) and must be disposed of through proper hazardous waste channels.
• Fentanyl (Duragesic) patches: Fentanyl is a highly potent Schedule II opioid. Used or unused fentanyl patches contain significant amounts of active drug that can be fatal to children or pets. The FDA explicitly includes fentanyl patches on its flush list to ensure immediate, secure disposal.
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan): This is a hazardous antineoplastic (chemotherapy) drug. It must be disposed of in a yellow chemotherapy waste container, never flushed.
• Amoxicillin (Amoxil) capsules: Not on the flush list. Antibiotics should not be flushed to prevent environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance. They should be disposed of via drug take-back programs or household trash mixed with undesirable substances.

Formulate the final conclusion

Fentanyl (Duragesic) patches are the only medication listed that is on the FDA's flush list for safe, immediate disposal when take-back options are unavailable.

Answer:

• (A) Warfarin (Coumadin) tablets
• (B) Fentanyl (Duragesic) patches (Correct answer)
• (C) Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• (D) Amoxicillin (Amoxil) capsules